President

Kevin grew up in Florida and has called Virginia home for the past 20 years. A longtime champion of parks and conservation, his journey began with visits to local parks and evolved into a deep commitment to Virginia’s state parks—he has explored all but one.

Kevin is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a role that has only deepened his appreciation for the Commonwealth’s natural landscapes. He has served for nine years on the board of the Pocahontas Chapter of the Master Naturalists and is also a board member of the Friends of Powhatan State Park.

His dedication extends to broader environmental advocacy through involvement with organizations such as the James River Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He has also participated in advocacy efforts at the General Assembly on behalf of these groups and the Virginia Conservation Network.

Kevin’s love for Virginia and its natural beauty is at the heart of his work. He is deeply committed to preserving and protecting the landscapes that make the state so special.

Immediate Past President

For over 30 years, Tim has been a dedicated volunteer in Virginia State Parks, serving as president of the Virginia Association for Parks for the past nine years and as a Camp Host for nine seasons. His deep passion for the parks, particularly Bear Creek Lake State Park, where he led the Friends Group for over a decade, is evident in his commitment to preserving park history and engaging visitors through storytelling. Tim is also the driving force behind Lights at the Lake, a holiday light show that raised over $14,000 and collected 1,500 toys last year to support the Cumberland Christmas Mother program, which provides Christmas gifts for 300 children and 177 senior citizens. Whether hosting at Bear Creek Lake, supporting park initiatives, or advocating for Virginia’s outdoor spaces, Tim remains a true champion for the state’s parks and communities.

Secretary

Mike has served as Secretary of the VAFP since 2016, and has been a dedicated volunteer at False Cape State Park since 2012. His passion for hands-on work has led him to take on various roles, including as a kayak guide and assisting with maintenance projects throughout the park. Recently, Mike completed a restoration of the shutters on the Park Manager’s cabin, adding to his list of contributions which include trail maintenance, Visitor Center upgrades, and lodge upkeep. False Cape State Park is one of the most remote parks in Virginia, requiring visitors to hike, bike, or take a tram ride along a five-mile journey to reach it. With no paved roads, visitors must travel through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge to access the park. Mike’s preferred route is by boat, navigating across Back Bay from Pungo with his 19-foot Grady White. On his way, he often takes time to fish and soak in the natural beauty. False Cape offers a wide range of activities, from exploring bays and oceans to primitive camping, fishing, hiking, and biking. Mike encourages everyone to add False Cape to their list of must-visit parks.

Treasurer

Lynn was one of VAFP’s founders in 1997 and has served as VAFP’s chair for national parks. She helped found Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1989 and is its last living founder. Wilderness Road State Park/Martin’s Station near the Cumberland Gap honors her fourth great-grandfather, Brigadier General Joseph Martin, who helped General George Washington win the Revolutionary War and make peace with the Cherokees. Lynn retired from Virginia Tech’s College of Natural Resources with the university’s 2018 Staff Career Achievement Award for her work as communications director. To honor her many years mentoring student interns and her numerous contributions to conservation, including getting the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy and Virginia’s Greenways Program started in the 1990s, Friends of the Blue Ridge established the Lynn Davis Scholarship Program and now gives 30 students in the Blue Ridge corridor each year a scholarship to pursue course work in natural resources or Appalachian studies.

As a dedicated outdoor enthusiast and lifelong volunteer, I have spent my years fostering a deep connection with the natural world—a bond rooted in my Native American heritage. 

Today, I am proud to serve as the President of the Friends of Widewater State Park, where I channel my passion for conservation and community into protecting the landscapes that keep us grounded. My philosophy is simple: wellness begins with nature.

As a Proper Human Diet advocate and doTERRA Wellness Consultant, I empower others to embrace a chemical-free lifestyle through intentional nutrition and holistic living. When I’m not teaching or volunteering, I’m often behind the lens as a freelance photographer, capturing the quiet beauty of the earth. Above all, my heart belongs to my family. As a single mother and a proud "Nana" to two grandsons, they are the "why" behind everything I do. Whether I’m exploring a trail or sharing a healthy meal, I am driven by a mission to leave a vibrant, healthy legacy for the generations to follow.

Jim began his career with VSP's as a seasonal naturalist at Fairy Stone State Park summers of 1973 and 1974. Graduated with a Forestry Degree in 1974, Outdoor Recreation Management Specialty. It was his honor and privilege to supervise the construction and opening of Sky Meadows  (1983) and Leesylvania (1989). Jim retired in 2004. 

Jim was Friends Group Chairman for Leesylvania for about 10 years post retirement. He was also recruited as VAFP cochairman for state parks in 2006, a position he still fills. Jim founded and chairs the Virginia State Park Alumnae Association, a group of retired park rangers who are currently advocating with VAFP.

Dr. Gregory Miller is a global leader in park management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation. Greg is an ecologist and conservation biologist who believes in working globally, acting locally (30+ years resident of Virginia), and protecting our precious natural and cultural resources.

For more than two decades, Greg has served on the Board of Directors (nine years as Board President, current) of the Between the Hills Conservancy, the official Virginia State Parks Friends Group for Sweet Run State Park (Hillsboro, Loudoun County, VA), formerly DBA the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship. In May 2026, Greg was elected to the Board of Directors of the Virginia Association for Parks, where he will serve as Vice President for Advocacy, supporting the protection and management of Virginia's 44+ state parks.

Dr. Miller has 30+ years of experience and accomplishment as Vice President (South America) at The Nature Conservancy, President at the American Hiking Society, Executive Director of the global Center for Responsible Travel, and environmental advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean at the US Agency for International Development. Greg is experienced across a broad spectrum of economic, social, cultural, and environmental challenges, and served on the boards of The Ecotourism Society and Biodiversity Support Program, and has held a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and exploring the outdoors responsibly.

A native of California, Greg is fluent in Spanish and English and earned a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in Botany from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In addition to his executive experience, Greg worked for several years as a naturalist guide in the Galápagos Islands, the Andes, and the Amazon regions. Dr. Miller is an environmental expert cited by the New York Times, Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, CNN, Bloomberg News, Condé Nast Traveler, TravelPulse, Globe and Mail, Expedia, Kiplinger, Skift, AFAR, Travel and Leisure, O Magazine, and Architectural Digest.

Esther M. Nizer of Elkton holds a BS in Health and Physical Education from Morgan State University and a Master of Science in Education in Adult Education/Human Resource Development from James Madison University. She retired in 2020 from James Madison University after more than 20 years of service as an Information Technology Training and Development Manager, training over 8500 faculty and staff.

A dedicated civic and community leader, Esther has served on the Board of Directors for Elkton Area United Services (EAUS), the Elkton Cemetery Commission, and the Elkton Downtown Revitalization Corporation (EDRC). She served four years as President and two years as Treasurer of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham NAACP. Esther also completed six years of service on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Board, including terms as Vice Chair and Chair.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and is Chair of the Friends of the Seven Bends State Park Committee. In addition, she is the volunteer coordinator for the Elkton Progressive Improvement Committee (EPIC) and serves as Vice President of the Elkton Lions Club.

Carrie holds a degree in Environmental Science and brings a strong background in nonprofit work, outdoor education, and project management to the Virginia Association for Parks. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, she is passionate about expanding access to Virginia’s natural spaces and fostering community connections through recreation and conservation.

Since 2023, Carrie has served on the board for Friends of the Blue Ridge, supporting efforts to preserve the region’s scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. Professionally, she works as a project manager, applying skills in organization, collaboration, and strategic planning to advance mission-driven initiatives.

Some of Carrie’s favorite Virginia State Parks include New River Trail for kayaking and biking, High Bridge Trail for cycling, Kiptopeke for its beaches, and Smith Mountain Lake for water sports.

Robert was a founding Co-Chair of the Virginia Association For Parks (VAFP) and hosted the organizing state-wide conference to create VAFP in November 1997. Robert founded Friends of Caledon (State Park), two national park Friends groups, and assisted with the founding of Friends groups for other national parks, state parks, and Phelps Wildlife Management Area. In 2025 Robert retired from a 21-year career at US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) headquarters, having served in the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, the Division of Natural Resources, the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) Division of Budget, and the Infrastructure Management Division.

Robert served in several Acting leadership roles including Chief of the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation, Chief of FWS Budget Formulation and Policy, Deputy Chief of the NWRS Office of Budget, Chief of Wildlife Resources, and Deputy Manager of Great Dismal Swamp and Nansemond National Wildlife Refuges in Virginia. During the George W. Bush Administration, Robert served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, the office that oversees national policy for the National Park Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Robert has served in an advisory capacity on boards and commissions for local, state, and national governments, and served on numerous nonprofit boards primarily in the areas of public lands management, cultural, historic, and natural resources management, performing arts, public safety, recreation, and transportation.

Anne grew up in Virginia Beach, VA. She graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Natural Resource Management.

Anne began her career in Virginia State Parks in 1987. After serving the citizens of Virginia and guests at seven parks, Anne retired in 2024.

Anne enjoys watching sports, attending activities for her great-nieces and great-nephews, camping, fishing, bowling, and birdwatching in her backyard. She continues to assist state parks by volunteering at several parks nearby.

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