12 VIRGINIA FORESTS Lesha Berkel was recognized with VFA’s 2024 Outstanding Member of the Year Award during the 2024 Virginia Forestry Summit in Charlottesville, Va. The award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contributions in the area of conservation, utilization, and enhancement of Virginia’s forest resources. It is given to a VFA member that renders service to, and promotes the interests of, Virginia forestry, and/or has fostered greater public awareness and understanding of the forests of the Commonwealth and the contributions which they make to all Virginia citizens. Berkel serves as the editor of Virginia Forests magazine, published by Virginia Forestry Association, where she helps coordinate planning for the quarterly publication as part of the Magazine Editorial Committee. Berkel oversees the work to design, print, and distribute the magazine to members of the association. She began working with VFA in 1995 to provide graphic design for the publication and has continued to work closely with VFA staff to ensure that the magazine is a valued resource for information on topics relevant to the forestry community. Over the years, she’s also provided a range of services to VFA for marketing and communication efforts, and she is a volunteer member of the newly created Communications Committee to focus on strategies that will strengthen messages about forestry’s economic, recreational and environmental benefits. In presenting the award, Fred Shatzki said, “Whether organizing a meeting, or developing new talent and tasks, Lesha gives her all, at all times, to the membership and the association. We can depend on her and have come to rely on her knowledge of the industry and the history of VFA to help chart a path for us as we continue to move forward. She has been instrumental in the evolution of VFA’s communications and publications, helping us tell our story far and wide for decades.” Anne Beals, Chair of VFA’s Magazine Editorial Committee, also shared comments for the award presentation noting, “VFA is constantly improved by her contributions of time and talent, and I know we are all grateful to count her as a colleague and a friend.” Fred Schatzki presented the Outstanding Member of the Year award to Lesha Berkel. Virginia Forestry Summit Award Winners LESHA BERKEL IS VFA’S OUTSTANDING MEMBER OF THE YEAR JAY PHAUP RECEIVES VFA PRESIDENT’S AWARD VFA President Dan Hockenberger recognized Jay Phaup with the President’s Award during the Virginia Forestry Summit in April. Hockenberger acknowledged Phaup’s leadership as part of the Board of Directors and his dedication to strategic initiatives that help fortify the future of the association. In particular, Jay’s efforts and coordination of this year’s Second Annual Virginia Sporting Clays Tournament brought together VFA’s new President Chris Harris (left) congratulates Jay Phaup for his award and welcomes him to the role of Vice President/ President-Elect for the coming year. more than 40 participants on May 10 at Central Virginia Sporting Clays in Palmyra, Va., for a day of competition that benefits VFA’s Advocacy Fund. Jay was recently elected as VFA’s Vice President/President-Elect for 2024–25.
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