NVCT Interview: Elizabeth Ward

The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Ward to our Board of Directors. With a lifelong connection to the region and a distinguished career in conservation and communications, Elizabeth brings a deep passion for protecting local natural spaces and a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership. We sat down with her to learn more about her background, her love of Northern Virginia’s outdoors, and what inspired her to join NVCT’s mission to save nearby nature. 

1. What is your history with Northern Virginia? 

Elizabeth has lived in every part of the DMV. She was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Maryland, and eventually moved to Arlington. Her children were born and raised in Arlington, and Northern Virginia has always been her family’s home. 

2. What is your connection to NoVa nature and outdoors? 

Some of Elizabeth’s favorite spots to frequent in Northern Virginia are Donaldson Run and the Difficult Run trail. 

“Donaldson Run is one of the many streams that flow down to the Potomac. I can go down the trail to the Potomac and see eagles, great blue herons, and cormorants. I can leave my suburb and be fully immersed in nature.” 

3. Tell us about your career journey so far. 

Elizabeth began her career in New York City as a book editor. “I then moved back down here and worked for Time-Life,  and then did a 4-year stint at AOL.” After several years working for public companies, she decided to shift to the nonprofit world. 

“I had always loved the outdoors, so I moved to The Nature Conservancy. I oversaw the magazine and digital properties for 10 years at the worldwide office. I now work for the Land Trust Alliance.” 

Conservation is near and dear to Elizabeth’s heart, as shown by her nearly two decades in land conservation work. 

 

4. How did you learn about NVCT? 

“I learned about NVCT long before I began my career in conservation. Military Row is where I often run, and it is also where NVCT has a protected property. I would run or ride my bike past the sign a lot.” 

She met NVCT Executive Director Alan through her work with the Land Trust Alliance. “I was aware of your work and joined your coalition for Advocacy Day for a Hill visit. I am especially impressed by the policy work y’all do.” 

5. What drew you to our organization and to joining our board? 

Throughout my career in conservation, I have also worked at the global and national levels. I launched national marketing campaigns for conservation and worked closely with the national policy and conservation team. I have never engaged meaningfully with conservation in our own backyard. And DEIA work is something else I really appreciate. As a resident of Northern Virginia, rapid development, lack of access to the outdoors, the explosion of data centers, and solar are all things I care about as a resident.” 

6. We have several committees within our board at NVCT; which are you most interested in joining and why? 

“Marketing & Development for obvious reasons, and the IDEA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equity) committee, and I would love to learn more about the various other ones.” Elizabeth also spoke about how NVCT’s DEIA work was an important factor for her when deciding to pursue a board position. 

7. What do you look forward to learning about our organization? 

“How land acquisition is accomplished!” 

 

8. What insights are you excited to provide to NVCT—professionally or personally? 

“On a professional level I want to bring my marketing expertise, and on a personal level I hope that my passion and dedication for conservation can be put to good use!” 

9. What does saving nearby nature mean to you? 

“Living in this area, there are no leftover open spaces in our communities; every time a house in my neighborhood is torn down, a new house is built to the edges of the property. Nature doesn’t just exist in vast open spaces—it can exist in backyards, small pockets, and everywhere. Those pockets matter; every little piece of nature could be a habitat for a native bird or bee.” 

Elizabeth Ward’s dedication to conservation—both globally and right here in Northern Virginia—embodies the spirit of NVCT’s mission to protect the lands and waters that make our region special. We’re honored to welcome her to our board and look forward to the insight, energy, and expertise she brings to the work of saving nearby nature for generations to come.