2010 Erchul Leadership Award
Michael Lipford, director of The Nature Conservancy in Virginia
In addition to Michael’s outstanding land conservation leadership work here in Virginia, he is regularly called upon by The Nature Conservancy to help formulate and lead new conservation initiatives with regional, national and global impact. These range from his key role in formulating The Nature Conservancy’s Eco-regional Conservation by Design framework to a yearlong assignment in 2009 to formulate coordinated multistate land conservation initiatives in the mid-Atlantic region.
In addition to the lasting natural legacy he continues to leave for Virginia, Michael is universally admired and respected as a kind, thoughtful, and optimistic person. He is a conservationist steeped in a strong science background. He is passionate without being shrill, and committed without being confrontational. He is a gentleman conservationist and a true leader.