[imageframe class=”acb-img-container float-right-container” ] Annapolis, MD (March 1, 2012) – Nissa Dean has been chosen as the new Director of the Virginia office of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (the Alliance). A Virginia native who grew up along the James and Rappahannock rivers, Dean is passionate about the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers and has an abundance of professional experience in developing creative and complex programs that support protection and restoration efforts. She most recently served as the regional manager of the Division of Stormwater Management in Richmond, VA where she led innovative projects such as “Greening Virginia’s Capitol“.

Dean’s wealth of experience and successful record of building strong partnerships with communities, businesses, and local and state agencies is a great match for the Alliance’s mission of bringing people together to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers.

“I believe that Nissa will bring enthusiasm, new ideas and a strong sense of collaboration to our work in Virginia,” says Al Todd, Executive Director of the Alliance. “With the need to build stronger, local leadership of watershed restoration, her experience with Virginia’s DCR serving localities and other diverse communities will be a tremendous asset.”

In her career, Dean has managed programs for the Department of Conservation and Restoration (DCR) with particular focus on meeting the Commonwealth’s Chesapeake Bay goals. She also worked for New Kent County, Virginia where she implemented local programs for erosion and sediment control, stormwater and the Wetlands Act and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the Virginia Commonwealth University, Center for Environmental Studies and is a graduate of the VA Natural Resource Leadership Institute. Dean will assume her new role beginning March 5, 2012.

For more about the Alliance, visit www.allianceforthebay.org and our partner, the Chesapeake Bay Program at www.chesapeakebay.net, where you can find out more about the Bay.

Media Contact: Al Todd – atodd@allianceforchesapeakebay.org or 443-949-0575.

Download and distribute the PDF press release:  Nissa Dean Press Release 2012