The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) is honored to present the McCarthy Lifetime Achievement Award to Susan Cable. This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of Susan in protecting Virginia’s natural and historic resources for over 35 years.
Susan has dedicated so much of her life to community engagement, planning, and conservation work. In Fairfax County, her work with the Park Authority expanded the protection of environmentally significant and sensitive areas, contributed to the growth of the Park system, and created more opportunities for visitors to learn about and experience local natural areas. Susan’s ability to collaborate and to utilize conflict resolution skills have made her an outstanding leader in Virginia natural resources, putting her skills to the test on projects such as the development of the 1995-2010 Park Comprehensive Plan for Fairfax County, the Potomac Heritage Scenic National Trail, and in the establishment and administration of the Blue Ridge Foothills Conservancy. All of the urban and rural areas touched by Susan’s career have felt the lasting positive impact of her hard work and dedication.
Since graduating from VNRLI in 2002, she has been a strong advocate for the program, and her support of the program in myriad ways has been integral to its success. VNRLI would not be the distinguished program it is today without champions like Susan.