Board & Staff
Land Trust of Virginia’s distinguished Board of Directors includes many prominent Virginians who are widely known for their dedication to conserving Virginia’s open space, farms, forests, rivers, and historic resources.
Board of Directors and Officers
Polly L. Gault, Chair
C. Dulany Morison, Vice Chair
Melissa Winchester, Secretary
Rebecca McDermott, Treasurer
John E. Benedict
Stephanie Kenyon
Paul Lawrence
Sarah Jo Luby
Jon Nuckles
Lilla Ohrstrom
Kevin Ramundo
Claude Schoch
Linda G. Stuntz
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Christopher C. Dematatis,
Director Emeritus
Chairman’s Advisory Council
Kenneth Alm
Jay Bryant
Childs F. Burden
Steffanie Burgevin
Patric Copeland
Christopher C. Dematatis
Penny Denegre
Missy Janes
Merritt Jones
Yakir Lubowsky
Malcolm Matheson
Phil Paschall
Linda Porter
Laura Rheintgen
Turner T. Smith, Jr.
Birge Watkins
General Counsel
Stephen C. Price, McCandlish Lillard
Staff
Ashton Cole, Executive Director
Ashton joined the Land Trust of Virginia in January of 2007, beginning with a focus on easement stewardship and eventually expanding into easement acquisition. Now in the role of Executive Director, Ashton enjoys working closely with LTV's Board and staff on all aspects of the organization, benefiting from an ongoing education thanks to his wonderful colleagues' diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge. He continues to play a significant role in new conservation projects and land stewardship matters, which he is passionate about. Ashton was born and raised in Winchester, Virginia, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from the University of Mary Washington. Ashton enjoys hiking, camping, trail work, and spending time with his wife, three children, and friends. Contact Ashton at ashton@landtrustva.org.
Eliza Broughton, Stewardship Associate
Eliza joined LTV in January 2025 and assists with recordkeeping, monitoring easements, and working with landowners. She grew up in Blue Hill, Maine, and is excited to explore her new home in Virginia! Eliza graduated from Middlebury College in Vermont with a bachelor's degree in geography and minors in architecture and environmental studies. When not working, she enjoys hiking, backpacking, running, woodworking, and spending time exploring with friends and family. Contact Eliza at eliza@landtrustva.org.
Natalie Burns, Conservation Director
Natalie joined LTV in 2021 and assists with stewardship and new easement work. She grew up in Warrenton, Virginia, and graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree in geographic science and a minor in environmental science. Before LTV, Natalie worked on a trail crew for the Southwest Conservation Corps in Durango, Colorado, and is excited to continue her passion for conservation with LTV. In her free time, Natalie enjoys hiking, rock climbing, seeing live music, and spending time with friends and family. Contact Natalie at natalie@landtrustva.org.
Madelyn Cooper, Conservation Associate
Madelyn joined LTV in February 2024. Her responsibilities include visiting properties under conservation easement, working with landowners, and researching potential new easement donations. She grew up in Afton, Virginia, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor's degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation and a minor in Pathways to Sustainability. She enjoys hiking, live music, antiquing, finding critters, and camping. Contact Madelyn at madelyn@landtrustva.org.
Arianne Govoni-Young, Office Manager
Ari joined LTV’s staff in 2019 after serving as a volunteer for multiple LTV events. She is responsible for the day-to-day office management and administrative duties of LTV. Ari was born and raised in Nokesville, Virginia and has traveled the country hiking and camping with her family. She currently enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and furry children camping and going to the track. She is also an avid Disney lover. Contact Ari at ari@landtrustva.org.
Jennifer Lee, Development Manager
Jennifer has spent most of the last 30 years working for non-profit conservation and preservation organizations, including Trout Unlimited, Northwest Earth Institute, Virginia Native Plant Society, Clarke County Historical Association, Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, and the American Conservation Film Festival. Jennifer holds a B.A. in Communications from George Mason University and a Master Gardener’s certificate and is currently a board member of the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville, Virginia.
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Jennifer’s early childhood was spent in Philomont, Loudoun County, where the neighbor legendary horsewoman had her riding across the countryside when she was 4 years old. It was undoubtedly then that a deep connection to this land was forged. The remainder of her childhood was spent in Clarke County, VA, where she eventually returned and has been active in conservation and community efforts for the last 25 years. She now lives in the same house where she grew up, on a little slice of paradise on the western slope of the Blue Ridge.
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Jennifer is thrilled to join the LTV team to help further the mission of protecting, appreciating, and celebrating this beloved and sacred land for generations to come.
Danielle Lilly, Communications and Marketing Manager
Danielle joined LTV's team in March 2024. Her role includes crafting monthly newsletters, announcements, press releases, social media campaigns, and graphic design projects.
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Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Danielle's upbringing brought her to various parts of the country as a military child and later spouse, instilling a love for travel. She enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, dog, and bearded dragon, exploring places worldwide. She is passionate about music and theater and is continuously honing her skills in the French language and culture.
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Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages from Austin Peay State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women and Gender Studies from Arizona State University, underlining her dedication to interdisciplinary knowledge and advocacy. Contact Danielle at danielle@landtrustva.org