Local Environmental Advocate Jay Ford Named Virginia’s Conservation Champion of the Year

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Local Shore resident Jay Ford, Virginia Policy Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), has been named the Virginia Conservation Network’s (VCN) Conservation Champion of the Year for 2025.

Presented on October 7, the annual award recognizes outstanding leadership in advancing environmental policy across the Commonwealth. Ford was honored for his work on coastal resilience, clean water initiatives, and science-based strategies to address the impacts of recurrent flooding and sea level rise.

The Virginia Conservation Network praised Ford for his “strategic, high-impact policy leadership,” highlighting his success in securing state funding for coastal resilience projects and agricultural conservation programs. His expertise and collaborative approach earned him a position on the Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding, where he has helped develop policies to protect Virginia’s most vulnerable coastal communities.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation commended Ford’s commitment to sustainable environmental progress.
“Jay’s tireless legislative advocacy has led to major wins—including securing funding for coastal resilience and flood preparedness,” the organization said in a statement. “He’s also a leading voice for agricultural conservation, tree canopy preservation, and many other vital environmental efforts across the Commonwealth. We’re proud to have Jay on our team, championing a cleaner, healthier future for Virginia’s communities and natural resources.”

Ford’s recognition places him among the state’s leading environmental advocates working to ensure Virginia remains resilient in the face of climate challenges while protecting its land, water, and communities for generations to come.

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