The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) has announced Ms. Ann W. Cundy as the winner of its 2026 Gordon N. Dixon Award. The award was presented at Monday’s meeting of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission. The Dixon Award recognizes an executive director, VAPDC commissioner, or PDC commissioner who has provided leadership and made outstanding contributions to promote the concept of regionalism in Virginia.

Ms. Cundy has served as Executive Director of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission since 2024. Previously, she served the CSPDC for over 11 years, including as the Director of Transportation, where she managed the agency’s transportation and transit programs. She also had previously served with the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission. She has consistently worked to strengthen collaboration among localities of varying size, demographics, and priorities throughout the Central Shenandoah Valley, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring every locality has a voice, access to resources, and the opportunity to participate in meaningful regional solutions.

 “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,” said Donnie Kern, CSPDC Director of Finance, in making the nomination. “During a period of extraordinary organizational challenge, Ann successfully stabilized and rebuilt the PDC while continuing to advance regional initiatives and maintain strong relationships with local governments and stakeholders across the region.”

Ms. Cundy also was recognized for her leadership style, in which she approaches regional service with a “boots on the ground” mentality, engaging directly with local elected officials, administrators, planners, economic development professionals, and community partners to identify challenges and develop practical, collaborative solutions. "Ann has transformed the CSPDC into a forward-thinking organization,” said Paula Melester, Director of Transportation. “Her vision has energized our team and deepened our ability to serve our partners."

For 16 years, Gordon N. Dixon was an outstanding example of a regional leader while serving as Executive Director for two planning district commissions--the New River Valley and the Fifth Planning District Commission. He sincerely believed in regional planning and community development. Following his death, the VAPDC established the Dixon Award to recognize executive directors and commissioners who display exceptional dedication to the regional planning vision for Virginia.

Planning District Commissions were enabled by state legislation in 1968 and most were established the following year. There are 21 PDCs and Regional Commissions in Virginia made up of elected officials and citizens appointed by local governments. The purpose of Planning District Commissions is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance. This is done by promoting the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future. The PDCs of Virginia joined together to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions in 1987 to share best practices and further regionalism across the Commonwealth.

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