Since moving to Fauquier in 1965 with her husband Julian, Sue Scheer has been a key figure in land use planning, open space protection, and rural preservation. She was instrumental in the fight against the 85-foot Auburn Dam which led to the identification of the Civil War Auburn Battlefields 1 and 2, which are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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A founding voice in local conservation, Sue helped push for sliding scale zoning that rezoned the county and limited future subdivision potential. She and Julian placed their 421-acre cattle farm under conservation easement, demonstrating a strong belief in voluntary land preservation.

Her leadership extends to serving on the Fauquier County Planning Commission and the board of the Piedmont Environmental Council, where she influenced regional conservation strategies.

Kay Hayes has long served as a watchdog for good governance and a defender of public accountability in land use and development decisions. As a leading member of CFFC, she consistently pushed for transparency in local government and upheld citizen participation as a cornerstone of conservation.

Kay has also challenged transportation projects that threatened Fauquier’s rural roads and small-town character, including vocal opposition to the widening of Route 29 and the Timber Fence Parkway Connector. Her focus has always been on preserving the community's voice and ensuring development decisions serve public—not just private—interests.