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
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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
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Stephen C. Price, McCandlish Lillard
Staff
Newsha Nazmi Ansary, Operations Manager
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Newsha joined LTV’s team in August 2025 as the Operations Manager. She grew up in Tehran, Iran, and has been living in Loudoun County since 2007. Her love for travel and racing has taken her to some of the most rural locations around the world. In her spare time, Newsha loves to read, cook, go to live music venues, and spend time with her daughter.
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She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Software and has 18 years of experience managing law firms. Contact Newsha at newsha@landtrustva.org.
Ashton Cole, Executive Director
Ashton joined the Land Trust of Virginia in January 2007, initially focusing on easement stewardship and later 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
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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.
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.
Ben DiGiulian, Stewardship Associate
Ben grew up in Warrenton, graduated from Virginia Tech with a History Degree, and owned and operated a house painting and restoration business primarily focused on historic homes for many years. He enjoys all kinds of biking, hiking, gardening, and being at home with his family and dogs. Contact Ben at ben@landtrustva.org.
Jennifer Lee, Development Director
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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 her neighbor, a 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 in helping to further the mission of protecting, appreciating, and celebrating this beloved and sacred land for generations to come. Contact Jennifer at Jennifer@landtrustva.org.
Danielle Lilly, Communications and Marketing Director
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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, as well as exploring places worldwide. She is passionate about music and theater, and continuously hones 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​
Kailie Scott, Stewardship Associate
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Kailie joined LTV in August 2025 and assists with recordkeeping, monitoring easements, and working with landowners. She grew up in Northern Virginia and graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in Geography and minors in Biology and Environmental Studies. After working in ocean conservation, she returned to JMU to receive her master's degree in collaboration with the University of Malta (MS Integrated Science and Technology, MSc Environmental Management and Sustainability). Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family, being outdoors, and horseback riding. She also loves spending time on the water, whether it's at the beach or a lake. Contact Kailie at kailie@landtrustva.org.
LTV Staff at the 27th Annual Garden Party at Elysian Fields.
From Left to Right: Ashton Cole, Executive Director; Danielle Lilly, Communications and Marketing Director; Madelyn Cooper, Conservation Associate; Ari Govoni-Young, Former Office Manager; Eliza Broughton, Stewardship Associate; Natalie Burns, Former Conservation Director; Jennifer Lee, Development Director; and Ben DiGiulian, Stewardship Associate.