VIRGINIAforever
About Us
Bridge Builder Celebration
Each year, VIRGINIAforever holds its signature event, the Bridge Builder Celebration, to honor an individual who has championed the protection of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. Learn more about our signature event here.
Our mission
As a unique coalition of concerned businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts, VIRGINIAforever advocates for increased funding to restore and protect the lands and waterways of the Commonwealth.
Who we are
VIRGINIAforever is a diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts that advocates for increased funding for water quality improvements and land conservation across the Commonwealth. We are the only statewide organization that has a primary focus on increasing funding for natural resources protection.
What we stand for
Protection of natural resources is a key component of the Constitution of Virginia, and as Virginians, we have an obligation to invest in the land and waters of the Commonwealth. To realize this commitment, adequate funding at the state level is required. VIRGINIAforever advocates for this critical land and water funding. Learn about 5-year funding goals here and read about our accomplishments in our Inaugural Progress Report.
Our members
Our stakeholders are the driving force behind numerous policy actions that have produced tangible improvements in the quality of Virginia’s water and the preservation of hundreds of thousands of acres. Members of VIRGINIAforever include individuals from corporations and non-profit organizations across the Commonwealth. Through collaboration and a consensus-based approach, our diverse coalition brings together unique perspectives.
Our leadership
Our Board of Directors guides our strategic direction and all advocacy efforts. Our Board includes:
| Peggy Sanner, Chair* Chesapeake Bay Foundation Phil Abraham, Vice-Chair* Jim Thornton, Treasurer* Parker Agelasto Jon Amores* Elizabeth Andrews Hobey Bauhan Doug Baxter* Hedrick Belin* Mark T. Bowles* Robert Burnley Andrew Clark Tee Clarkson Patrick Coady Corey Connors Robert L. Dunn** Andrew DuPuy Ben Eubanks John Eustis Pamela Faggert |
Johnny Finch**
Kevin Finto** Paul Nyffeler Karen Forget Katie Frazier Ted Henifin** Kristen Hughes Evans Lisa Kardell* Tim Kennell* Adrienne Kotula Cristi Lawton Stewart Leeth* Henry P. Long** TJ Mascia Maureen Matsen Charles G. McDaniel Jamie Mitchell* Chrissy Noonan* Dr. Mamie A. Parker* Eric Paulson |
David Paylor Reed Perry Chris Pomeroy Erik Rison* Nikki Rovner* Alan Rowsome Rebecca Rubin Ellen Shepard Ginny Snead Bill Street* Mike Town Dennis H. Treacy** Kendall Tyree* Carol Wampler** Jenny West* Jason Williams* Mark Williams Cliff Williamson* Andrea Wortzel *=denotes Executive Board member
**=denotes Emeritus Board member |
How to join
Great challenges lie ahead as we continue to work to improve funding for our natural resources, but there are even more opportunities for you, your colleagues, and your neighbors to make a recognizable difference. Individuals, companies, and organizations interested in joining VIRGINIAforever can click here to learn more.
Membership dues are not tax deductible. VIRGINIAforever is a 501 (c)4 organization.
