Staunton, Va. (August 19, 2025) The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) has awarded former Senator Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. with a Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award. For nearly 40 years, Senator Hanger represented areas of the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia, first in the Virginia House of Delegates (1983-1992), and then as a member of the Senate of Virginia (1996-2024).

Throughout his tenure, Senator Hanger promoted legislation that supported projects and programs at both the regional and local levels, especially in the Senate, where his seven terms were marked by leadership roles on the Finance; Agriculture; and Rehabilitation/Social Services Committees, all of which he served as chair during his tenure.

“Senator Hanger’s efforts to address statewide and community issues were extensive,” said Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission Chair Frank Friedman in presenting the award. “Particularly, his work in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, health and human services, and as co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee stands out, as does his leadership and mentorship of his peers and the community leaders he represented. We also are grateful to his wife, Sharon, for the love and support of his successful career.” 

Senator Hanger also played key leadership roles for Virginia as chair of the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Commission and the Joint Subcommittee to Study Strategies and Models for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. He also co-chaired the Joint Subcommittee Studying the State Tax Code in the early 2000’s, and served on the Board for the Center for Rural Virginia.

“VAPDC is excited to present this Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award to Senator Hanger,” said David Blount, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions. “Having worked with Senator Hanger during his time in the Senate, I saw firsthand his passion and leadership on so many issues important to localities and regions.”

In accepting the award, Senator Hanger, a former local Commissioner of the Revenue, said, “I appreciate this award and the work you do in planning for your communities.”

VAPDC's leadership created the Legislator of the Year Award a dozen years ago to recognize public officials who support regional collaboration and who are actively engaged in public policy efforts that advance economic prosperity in the Commonwealth. This is only the second time the Association has recognized an individual with a Lifetime Legislative Achievement Award.



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