Gertraud Hechl joined PEC staff in the summer of 2019. Gertraud has a broad background in the arts and business and serves on several non-profit boards. She holds a degree in strategic management from Wirtschaftsuniversität, Vienna, where she also studied modern languages.
Staff and Board Listing
For general inquiries email [email protected] or call our headquarters office at 540-347-2334.
Hugh Kenny
Hugh Kenny joined the communications team at PEC in September 2019. He graduated from Bates College in 2019 with a degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in history.
Kendra Atkins
Kendra Atkins joined The Piedmont Environmental Council’s advancement team in December 2019.
Cindy Sabato
Cindy Sabato joined the PEC staff in fall 2019, eager to tell the stories of the people and the work that help preserve and honor the environmental beauty and character of the Virginia Piedmont.
Ross, Leigh
Leigh joined PEC in the spring of 2019. Her focus is on records management and implementing best practices for a healthy, efficient and productive nonprofit organization.
Dana Melby
Dana joined The Piedmont Environmental Council in October 2018. She is serving as the Gilberts Corner Farm & Land Manager, working at Roundabout Meadows Community Farm to create a more inclusive, equitable food system in Loudoun County.
John McCarthy
John W. McCarthy joined PEC staff in January 2017. John retired from local government in June of 2016 after 28 years as Rappahannock County Administrator.
Meet George and Jean, Our New Co-Chairs
PEC is excited to introduce the newly elected co-chairs of our Board—George Ohrstrom II of Clarke County and Jean Perin of Fauquier County!
A Conservation Ethic — A Profile of Marie Ridder
To say that Marie Ridder, 88, is an accomplished woman is an understatement—and as I drove to meet her for our interview, I was both excited and nervous. Marie has been a highly successful journalist and editor who would later devote her career to social and environmental issues.
Douglas Stewart
As PEC’s grant writer since 2012, Douglas works to raise funds from grants, and strengthen PEC’s relationships with foundations and government agencies. During that time, PEC has been able to start new conservation initiatives and expand general operating support through increased grant funds.