Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
For nearly four decades, Debbie Cross has advocated for and strengthened Virginia’s soil and water conservation programs and is the longest-serving conservation district coordinator in the history of the DCR.
“When I think of DCR, it IS Debbie that comes to mind,” said Melissa Allen, district manager, John Marshall Soil and Water Conservation District. “Her work ethic and knowledge of soil and water conservation is unsurpassed.”
In June, Cross was inducted into the National Association of Conservation Districts Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame in recognition of her career accomplishments. This annual honor is awarded to one individual from each of the states in the Southeast Region who have made a significant impact in conservation.
Cross’s tenure at DCR has been defined by her dedication to the success of Virginia’s districts and growth of the state’s conservation programs.
The seven districts she supports all are within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, so she has been immersed in Bay issues since she began her career. She has been heavily involved in the expansion of the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program (VACS), collaborating with others to grow the program from one BMP in 1984 to over 60 today. She has been at the forefront of developing a system to work with districts to extend the lifespan of existing BMPs, which has been essential in ensuring Virginia’s progress in meeting its Bay cleanup goals.
“Debbie undertook organizing all Virginia’s districts with watershed responsibility into a group that could help each other and also argue their case before the General Assembly,” said John Peterson, director on the board of the Northern Virginia SWCD. “That group, formed in the early 1990s, is still active, functioning and successful.”
Cross’s passion for educating others is exemplified by her assistance developing training programs for new district directors and technical employees. She has served on the Joint Employee Development planning committee for 20 years, ensuring staff receive continuous, high-quality training.
Throughout her career, Cross has balanced professional excellence with personal kindness, becoming an irreplaceable resource and mentor to her colleagues.
“Working with Debbie for 33 years, I saw firsthand her values, work ethic and professionalism,” said Jennifer Hoysa, former district manager at John Marshall SWCD. “She is the type of person that you can always depend on being there for you no matter what the situation.”
By championing soil and water programs and fostering collaboration between districts, Cross has left an indelible mark on conservation efforts in the state and has strengthened the capacity of Virginia’s SWCDs. DCR is proud to celebrate Cross’s remarkable career and her contributions to soil and water conservation.
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Soil and Water Conservation
