News Release: 9/16/2024

Anne Marie Chirieleison Named Director of the
Foundation of the State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm
 
(Boyce, Virginia) – The Foundation of the State Arboretum (FOSA) is pleased to announce the hiring of Anne Marie Chirieleison as Director on September 9, 2024. Anne Marie leads FOSA in supporting Blandy Experimental Farm and its research and educational goals, enhancing Blandy's value as a public institution, and helping to maintain and grow the Arboretum's many collections.
 
“Blandy and the Arboretum are among the brightest stars in the constellation of Virginia’s educational and cultural resources, to say nothing of its inherent natural beauty. As Director of FOSA I am honored and thrilled to help it shine,” Anne Marie said. “The centennial anniversary of this important landmark is coming up in 2026, and many exciting initiatives are in store!”
 
Before joining FOSA, Anne Marie served as Executive Director of the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum in Sterling, Virginia. She has also worked at the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area and the National Sporting Library and Museum. During her 10 years working in nonprofits in the Northern Virginia piedmont, Anne Marie has nurtured a passion for cultural history, the natural environment, and service through leadership. Through her work as a member of the Board of Directors for the Middleburg Business & Professional Association and Visit Loudoun, Anne Marie champions small organizations that have a big impact. Anne Marie grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and spent many a family vacation visiting national parks and Civil War battlefields. She holds a degree in History from James Madison University and a Certificate in Museum Management from the Virginia Association of Museums. In her spare time Anne Marie enjoys mixed media art, gardening, and exploring the great outdoors with her family.
 
“Anne Maire is the right person to take the helm of FOSA at this time,” said Nancy Takahashi, FOSA Board President. “She brings energy, passion, and professional experience in working with historical, agricultural, and environmentally focused organizations. With Anne Marie, we look forward to taking Blandy into its second century with expanded support, new programs, and preservation of all that makes Blandy and the State Arboretum of Virginia so beloved by its donors, many volunteers, and 200,000 annual visitors.”  
 
About Blandy Experimental Farm
Blandy Experimental Farm is a 712-acre University of Virginia research facility in Clarke County, Virginia. The purpose of Blandy is to increase the understanding of the natural environment through research and education. Blandy is also home to the State Arboretum of Virginia, which occupies the central 172 acres of Blandy. Blandy is open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and includes walking trails, self-guided tours, gardens, a Native Plant Trail and more and sees up to 200,000 visitors each year. www.blandy.virginia.edu
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