Who we are
VIRGINIAforever is a unique, diverse coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and outdoor enthusiasts that advocates for increased government 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 4-year funding goals here.
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 VIRGINIA forever 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.
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.
Our leadership
Our Board of Directors guides our strategic direction and all advocacy efforts. Our Board includes:
- Peggy Sanner, Chair*
- Phil Abraham, Vice-Chair*
- Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate
- Jim Thornton, Treasurer*
- Huntington Ingalls Industries
- Parker Agelasto
- Capital Region Land Conservancy
- Elizabeth Andrews
- Hobey Bauhan
- Virginia Poultry Federation
- Hedrick Belin*
- Potomac Conservancy
- Steve Blanchard
- WRIC – 8 News
- Mark T. Bowles*
- McGuireWoods Consulting
- Dan Buckley
- Garney Construction
- Robert Burnley
- Tee Clarkson
- Atoka Conservation Exchange
- Gordon Dixon
- VA Transportation Construction Alliance
- Robert L. Dunn**
- Retired (formerly DuPont)
- Andrew DuPuy
- Rails to Trails Conservancy
- John Eustis
- New River Land Trust
- Pamela Faggert
- Johnny Finch**
- Kevin Finto**
- Karen Forget
- Lynnhaven River NOW
- Katie Frazier
- Farm Credit of the Virginias
- Ted Henifin**
- Kristen Hughes Evans
- Sustainable Chesapeake
- Kieth Martin*
- Appalachian Power Company
- Lisa Kardell*
- Waste Management
- Tim Kennell*
- Virginia Association of Parks
- Adrienne Kotula
- Cristi Lawton
- Keep Virginia Beautiful
- Stewart Leeth*
- Smithfield Foods
- Henry P. Long**
- TJ Mascia
- Davey Mitigation / Wetland Studies and Solutions, Inc.
- Maureen Matsen
- Cyndi Miracle
- Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- Andy Lacatell
- Chesapeake Conservancy
- Charles McDaniel
- Hilldrup
- Cyndi Miracle
- VA Chamber of Commerce
- Jamie Mitchell*
- HRSD
- Sonnia Montemayor
- Virginia Forestry Association
- Pam Northam
- Elizabeth River Project
- Paul Nyffeler*
- Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
- Molly Parker*
- Dominion Energy
- Eric Paulson
- Virginia State Dairymen’s Association
- David Paylor
- David Perry
- Blue Ridge Land Conservancy
- Chris Pomeroy
- AquaLaw
- Nikki Rovner*
- The Nature Conservancy
- Alan Rowsome
- Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
- Rebecca Rubin
- Ellen Shepard
- Virginia United Land Trusts
- Kyle Shreve
- Advantus Strategies
- Ginny Snead
- AMT Engineering
- Emily Steinhilber
- Environmental Defense Fund – Virginia
- Blair St. Ledger-Olson
- Virginia League of Conservation Voters
- Bill Street*
- James River Association
- Chris Tabor
- Hazen and Sawyer
- Dennis H. Treacy**
- Diane Thomas
- Garden Club of Virginia
- Kendall Tyree*
- Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- Brian Wagner
- RES
- Carol Wampler**
- Amanda Waters
- AlexRenew
- Jenny West*
- The Wildlife Foundation of Virginia
- Mark Williams*
- Luck Companies
- Cliff Williamson*
- Virginia Agribusiness Council
- Andrea Wortzel
- Troutman Pepper
- *=denotes Executive Board member
- **=denotes Emeritus Board member
- as of Feb. 2025
Karri B. Atwood, Executive Director of VIRGINIAforever
katwood@virginiaforever.org | (804)728-0199
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.