CSPDC Executive Director Ann W. Cundy has received the 2026 Gordon N. Dixon Award from the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC). The award was presented at the Commission’s August 17 meeting. It recognizes an executive director or commissioner whose leadership has advanced regional cooperation across Virginia.
The VAPDC created the award to honor Gordon N. Dixon, who spent 16 years as executive director of the New River Valley and Fifth Planning District Commissions. Virginia’s 21 Planning District Commissions (PDCs) and Regional Commissions help local governments plan together for needs that cross local boundaries, such as transportation, housing, and economic development.
Ann has served as Executive Director since 2024. Before that, she spent more than 11 years with CSPDC, including as Director of Transportation, where she managed the agency’s transportation and transit programs. She also served with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. In his nomination, CSPDC Director of Finance Donnie Kern said Ann “has demonstrated the type of visionary, collaborative, and service-oriented leadership that strengthens not only the organization, but also the broader mission of Planning District Commissions throughout Virginia.”
A hallmark of Ann’s leadership is her hands-on approach. She works directly with elected officials, administrators, planners, and economic development professionals in our 21 member localities, from the Town of Monterey to the City of Harrisonburg, so that every community has a voice and access to regional resources. Director of Transportation Paula Melester noted that Ann’s vision “has energized our team and deepened our ability to serve our partners.”
Please join us in congratulating Ann. To learn more about the VAPDC and its work across the Commonwealth, visit vapdc.org.