PRESS RELEASE: Citizens for Fauquier County Honor Sue Scheer and Kay Hayes with Kitty P. Smith Award

CFFC’s annual KPS Award is a lifetime conservation achievement award

Warrenton, VA (Oct. 14, 2025) – Citizens for Fauquier County on Sunday celebrated its 2025 Kitty P. Smith Award recipients, Sue Scheer and Kay Hayes, at Hopefield, the historic home of Hope Porter, who founded the organization in 1968.

The award is given annually to honor outstanding conservationists who have contributed throughout their lifetime to preserving Fauquier’s rural landscape, historical resources and agricultural economy. Scheer and Hayes were joined at the event by many friends in attendance.

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.

(pictured left to right) Kevin Ramundo, Sue Scheer, Kay Hayes, Yak Lubowsky

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.

“These two women embody the fearless, principled, and deeply committed spirit of Kitty P. Smith,” said CFFC President Kevin Ramundo. “For decades, Sue and Kay have played a major role in advancing CFFC’s goal of protecting our special county by preserving open space, protecting historical resources and supporting agriculture.  Their legacy will endure for generations.”

The award is named for Smith, who for more than 20 years set the standard for advocating for wise land conservation. She served as a board member of the Citizens for Fauquier County and the Goose Creek Association. She was also a staff member of the Piedmont Environmental Council and was a hands-on participant with numerous civic organizations.

Previous recipients of the award include Kitty Smith, George Thompson, Jocelyn Sladen, Georgia Herbert, Hope Porter, Bob Lee, Ken Smith, John Schied, Harry Atherton, and Ann Mudge Backer.

Press Contact:

Sophie Langenberg

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443-632-6676