The head of a major environmental nonprofit recently stepped down to pursue other endeavors, but will continue to advise the group.

Carl Pope, who succeeded Michael Brune as chairman of the Sierra Club in April 2010, stated that he would no longer be serving in the role yet would remain a senior strategic advisor to the organization. Pope said that he was leaving to help get the country's manufacturing sector back on its feet again.

Brune, who now serves as the executive director of the Sierra Club, said the departing chairman had given much of his time and skills to help achieve initiatives.

"Carl's generosity and graciousness in helping me to learn my role at the Sierra Club proved invaluable and made the transition as seamless as possible," said Brune. "I will continue to welcome his smart, strategic input and have no doubt that the new projects in which Carl is immersing himself will thrive as a result of his involvement."

According to its website, The Sierra Club has 1.4 million members around the country and works to help protect both communities and the planet's natural resources.