Chuck Leavell, Joel Babbit and Mother Nature Network

Joel Babbit and Chuck Leavell

Mother Nature Network was co-founded by Chuck Leavell and former advertising executive Joel Babbit.

Chuck Leavell, 59, is an American pianist and keyboardist who has played with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones and The Allman Brothers. Chuck Leavell is actually a part of The Rolling Stones and has been touring with the band for years. Leavell joined the Stones in the early 1980s, after a stint with The Allman Brothers, as a touring member and a second keyboardist to the main man, Ian Stewart. After Stewart died, Leavell became the primary guy who tweaks the keyboards when the Stones go on tour and, indeed, he’s also been credited with being the band’s musical director, planning and drawing up (with Mick Jagger), the nightly playlists for the famous band’s gigs.

Prior to launching Mother Nature Network, Joel Babbit spent over 20 years in the advertising and public relations industry – creating two of the largest and most awarded advertising agencies in the Southeast – Babbit and Reiman (acquired by London-based GGT) and 360 (acquired by Grey Global Group). He also served as President of GCI, which was one of the world's 10 largest public relations firms with 40 offices in 22 countries. His clients have included The Home Depot, Coca-Cola, Dell, USA Today, American Express, Holiday Inn, UPS, and Citigroup. He is especially noted for his marketing work related to corporate transitions which have included the acquisition of RJR Nabisco by KKR, BellSouth by AT&T, Georgia –Pacific by Koch Industries, and numerous acquisitions during the formation of Coca-Cola Enterprises.

The mission of  MOTHER NATURE NETWORK (MNN) is to provide the most accurate and up-to-date news and information available on the broadest scope of environmental and social responsibility issues on the internet. As opposed to scientists, activists or experts, MNN is designed for everyday people who simply want to make our world better. MNN content is divided among 8 different channels—each offering in-depth news and information updated throughout the day: Earth Matters, Lifestyle, Green Tech, Eco-Biz, Transportation, Your Home, Food, and Family.