Kathy Rae Frahm

The Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute (VNRLI) is honored to present the McCarthy Lifetime Achievement Award to Kathy Rae Frahm. This award recognizes the outstanding contribution of Kathy in protecting Virginia’s natural and historic resources.

Kathy served through several administrations as Policy Director at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and was key in bring together partners to achieve collaborative, sustainable results to benefit the land and water of Virginia. Kathy was instrumental in the implementation of DEQ's Community Involvement Task Force, which encouraged public participation in the agency's program development and regulatory program implementation. These initiatives increased confidence in the agency's decision making and turned skeptics to supporters. She is known for her work on nontidal wetlands law and program development, wetlands mitigation banking, nutrient control regulations and legislation, the Environmental Excellence Program, and solid waste management.  

Kathy is remembered for being warm, honest, and intelligent, with a drive to listen and understand all stakeholders. She leaves behind a legacy of integrity, humility, and dedication.