Tori Kennedy, Landowner Process Manager
Tori coordinates the work of landowners, their professional advisors, land trusts and state agencies throughout the conservation easement donation process. Tori was raised in the Shenandoah Valley and influenced by her family history of farming, she has a special interest in helping farmers protect their agricultural businesses while conserving the beautiful land and vistas of Virginia. Tori brings years of customer service and program management experience to help facilitate the easement process for landowners and professionals.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I am a Virginia gal born and raised. I was born in Henrico County and my family moved to the Shenandoah Valley when I was around 3 or 4 years old. I left the Valley to attend George Mason University where I met my husband. We now live with our son in Haymarket, VA but visit our family and friends down in the Valley quite often!
Q: What is your favorite color?
A: Green, hands down!
Q: Do you have any pets/animals?
A: I have a rescue miniature chihuahua named Dixie. Adopt, don’t shop ya’ll!
Q: What interests/hobbies do you have outside of work?
A: I studied history in college, so I love anything related to history- watching movies, docuseries, reading non-fiction, and visiting museums. Virginia is a state full of history so there is always something to discover or explore! I also love Virginia wine and try to travel to different wineries around the state. I really enjoy spending time with my family so we always try to find activities we all can enjoy and experience together!
Q: What is a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
A: I used to dance quite a bit- ballet, tap, jazz, and even Irish Step. I gave it all up to pursue sports in my last years of high school.
Q: When did you start at Conservation Partners?
A: I recently started in August of last year! Getting into the conservation field and getting to work with so many landowners has been amazing!
Q: What has been your favorite part about working at Conservation Partners?
A: The most rewarding part of my job are the relationships formed with the landowners we serve. Getting to know their stories about what they envision for their land and why they settled there in the first place, whether it’s a family century farm or a property they absolutely fell in love with, has really cemented for me that I am right where I am supposed to be. Knowing that I can help them meet their goals has biggest accomplishment for me in my career!
Q: What has been the biggest challenge you have encountered at this job?
A: The biggest challenge has been the learning curve associated with a conservation easement. Learning the “ins-and-outs” of an easement took several months. Each easement is so unique so new challenges are always popping up! The landscape of the field changes often so adaptability and keeping up with current events, involving funds and legislation, in Virginia are essential. It’s a very detail-oriented job but I feel confident in my abilities and enjoy continuing to learn and embrace challenges in this role!
If you are interested in a conservation easement and would like to learn more about the donation process and how we can serve you, please reach out to Tori at tkennedy@conservationpartnersllc.com or by phone at (540) 464-1899 ext. 3.
