The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) has announced Mr. Gary Christie as the recipient of its 2025 President’s Award. The award was presented at a recent joint meeting of the VAPDC Board of Directors and Executive Directors held in Lynchburg. The VAPDC President's Award recognizes an individual who has been involved directly in planning district commission activities and who has contributed significantly to promoting regional planning and VAPDC activities.

Gary served as the Executive Director of the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC), also previously known as Region 2000, for over 17 years, from December 2004 to May 2022. He previously served as Executive Director of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission (RRRC) based in Culpeper. While at CVPDC, Gary championed the Central Virginia Workforce Development Board as a critical regional initiative, recognizing its pivotal role in supporting businesses and job seekers across multiple localities. He played an integral role in creating the Region 2000 partnership and returning to the Central Virginia Planning District Commission name again.

“Gary made a great impression on me as a member of the CVPDC,” said 2024-2025 VAPDC President Dwayne Tuggle in presenting the award. “He was the one who pushed me to get involved with the VAPDC. He had great vision and was a tremendous asset not only to the success of the CVPDC over the years, but for the work of other Planning District Commissions as well.”

Throughout his time at CVPDC, Gary convened discussions on many concerns and projects to advance the region via successful regional partnerships, including establishment of the Region 2000 Service Authority and implementation of the region’s P25 digital public safety radio system. He also wrote and advanced the CVPDC’s first successful EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant near the end of his tenure.

Gary was a member of the VAPDC Board of Directors from 2008 to 2009, when he served as Secretary/Treasurer. He also chaired the VAPDC Legislative Committee for several years.

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.