Land and Water Conservation Panel Bios

Barbara Brumbaugh is the Environmental Program Manager for the City of Chesapeake Public Works Department, overseeing the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Compliance Program. She has worked for the City for 17 years, serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Municipal Stormwater Association (VAMSA) and is active in various state and regional stormwater organizations and initiatives. Prior to employment with the City, she worked for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for 15 years. Barbara has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health from Old   Dominion University.

Brian Van Eerden is the Director of The Nature Conservancy's Virginia Pinelands Program where he manages the Conservancy's land acquisition and forest management projects across southeastern Virginia. He received his Master's degree in Botany from the University of Georgia and his undergraduate degree in Plant Science from Pennsylvania State University.

Cory Hoar has been employed by the Virginia Dare Soil and Water Conservation District for six years. He enjoys working with the variety of local producers and hopes to continue the great work Soil and Water Conservation Districts have been able to do for many years to come. Cory was born and raised in the St. Brides area of Chesapeake and attended Ferrum College.

Tanner Council is the Hampton Roads Grassroots Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Tanner's work focuses on developing relationships with the public to restore, educate and advocate for water quality issues in Hampton Roads.  He works year-round to develop strong advocacy support among the citizenry for local, state and federal legislative efforts. 

Tanner oversees a variety of signature CBF programs, including the VoiCeS adult education course, Speaker's Bureau, Decision Maker Experiences and Clean the Bay Day, one of the largest volunteer programs in Virginia. Tanner's work effectively connects many thousands of citizens with the CBF mission every year. 

Prior to joining CBF in 2010, Tanner worked for the Rivanna Conservation Society in Charlottesville, Virginia coordinating restoration events, managing their volunteer programs, and assisting with fundraising efforts.  Tanner now lives in Chic’s Beach, Virginia, a short bike ride from CBF’s Brock Environmental Center.