Fairfax resident and former chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Jean Packard brings more than 30 years of environmental involvement to her new appointment as member of the state's Soil and Water Conservation Board. She was appointed by Gov. Mark Warner (D) this fall.
"I think protecting the environment is one of the single most important things you can do," Packard said.
Packard is currently involved with the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District to ensure environmental regulations. The district works closely with the county public works and environmental services to approve zoning applications with environmental problems, as well as provide technical assistance to county and homeowners on environmental regulations.
Packard has also served as vice chairman of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and was previously a member of Sierra Club's national board. Additionally, she was a founding member of the Conservation Council of Virginia and the Northern Virginia Conservation Council.
"She's very knowledgeable, has good judgment and I think she can make a contribution to that board," said friend Sally Ormsby, who has known Packard for 20 years.
Another friend, Dewey Bond of Great Falls, agreed. Besides being friends, Bond and Packard have served on environmental boards together. He's also currently on the state's Soil and Water Conservation Board.
"She made a good impression on me, because she said there's no place for politics in the environmental field," Bond said. Bond is a Republican and Packard is a Democrat. "I think she's an excellent environmentalist. She's broad-minded and got a good head. Just a super intellect, in my book."
As a state board member, Packard will help establish the state budget's allocation to the state's six soil and water conservation districts.
"I think it's important that the government has on board members who have long-time environmental background," Packard said. "I'm familiar with state and local concerns and I'd like to be in a place where the decisions are made."