Kitty P. Smith Award
2023 Award Recipient: Henry F. "Harry" Atherton III
Atherton is a lifelong resident of Fauquier County, settling to farm on his family property after serving his country in Vietnam and completing a law degree. He donated a conservation easement on the farm to the Virginia Outdoors Foundation and worked with many others to navigate the voluntary land conservation process. He then served 18 years on the County Planning Commission followed by eight years on the Board of Supervisors, representing the Marshall District. His colleagues elected him Chairman of both the Planning Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
“Harry’s many accomplishments in support of Fauquier County’s preservation exemplifies this award,” said CFFC President, Kevin Ramundo. “All residents of the County should be thankful for his forethought and dedication to ensuring the future of our rural, agricultural community for the next generation.”
About the Kitty P. Smith Award
The Kitty P. Smith Award was established by Citizens for Fauquier County to honor outstanding conservationists who have contributed greatly to preserving the county’s rural landscape, historical resources and agricultural economy.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Smith, a long-term Fauquier resident, set the standard for advocating wise land conservation. She served as a board member of CFFC and Goose Creek Association, staff member of the Piedmont Environmental Council and was a hands-on participant with numerous civic organizations. Her influence was also felt on the Fauquier County Agricultural and Forestal District Committee and Capital Improvements Committee.
Awardees
2015 — Kitty Smith
2016 — George Thompson
2017 — Jocelyn Sladen
2018 — Georgia Herbert
2019 — Hope Porter and Bob Lee
2021 — Ken Smith
2022 — John Schied