What VNRLI Fellows Say …
"VNRLI is an invaluable program and one of the best learning opportunities I have had in years. I wish I had taken this class years ago!"
-Anonymous
"I had built up VNRLI as this amazing experience that would be transformative, watching colleagues go through it and talk about it. It's insane to think that that lofty expectation was surpassed…. It truly was in every topic we covered…. I am a better version of myself thanks to VNRLI. I can't thank you all enough!"
-Anonymous
"Best professional development program since the PhD!"
-Bruce Hull
VT Faculty
"VNRLI provided me with critical skills in collaborative problem-solving to work with a diverse coalition of partners, including the Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, and the Virginia Agribusiness Council, to identify and advocate for those sustainable solutions that support both a vibrant agriculture economy and clean water."
-Ann F. Jennings
Virginia Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
"VERY valuable – recommend to anyone who wants to grow in their knowledge and passion for Virginia’s natural resources."
-Karl Bren
Green Visions Consulting
"A great network of friends and subject matter experts that can help me make better decisions."
-K. Rob Krupicka
City Councilor, City of Alexandria
"A suite of tools that I feel I can use for practical application….[and] a new set of friends in an expanded circle of awareness."
-Mark Slauter
State Hazard Officer, VDEM
"Broadened my circle of influence to individuals and other organizations."
-Brad Fuller
J.M. Huber Corporation
"A profound eye-opening experience …empowers participants to find collaborative win-win solutions to difficult and controversial environmental issues by taking off the blinders and helping groups to find common ground."
-Joe Tannery
Staff Attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
"VNRLI has taught me so much about facilitation, leadership and environmental issues in Virginia….the best program I have ever participated in."
-Abigail Convery
"A life-changing experience."
-David L. Davis
Virginia DEQ
"One of the best trainings ever to address how all government agencies, private companies and non profit organizations should be working together to address conservation of our natural resources and community vitality"
-Nancy Stremple
US Forest Service
"Greater willingness to seek solutions rather than win a fight."
-Nonprofit Staff
"Better listening, understanding other perspectives, being more open to new ways of solving problems."
-Patti Jackson
Executive Director, James River Association
"I learned (to) form working partnerships to advance common agenda."
-Peter L. deFur
Environmental Stewardship Concepts Part-Time Faculty, Virginia Commonwealth University
"Learned that individual relationships are the most important factor when working with others. This has proven true professionally and personally."
-John M. Carroll
Deputy State, VDOF