A Lifelong Commitment to Lasting Impact
Although he joined the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s Board of Directors in November 2024, Paul Gilbert’s dedication to the Community Foundation’s mission began many years ago. Paul, who has served as the Executive Director of NOVA Parks since 2005, has contributed invaluable insights as a member of our Investment Committee since 2017. However, his passion for CFNOVA’s work was first realized during a coffee meeting with former CFNOVA President and CEO Eileen Ellsworth.
During that conversation, Eileen introduced Paul to the Permanent Fund, describing how building and growing endowments required a deep understanding of delayed gratification. In his words, “It takes restraint. It’s easy to spend all the money today. But creating something that lasts forever and supports the community for generations is thoughtful and meaningful work.”
This long-term perspective is also something that NOVA Parks embraces. A growing partnership between NOVA Parks and CFNOVA has resulted in four long-term endowments that are managed by CFNOVA for the benefit of NOVA Parks:
- The NOVA Parks Capital Endowment Fund
- The NOVA Parks Endowment for Temple Hall Farm Regional Park
- The NOVA Parks Fund
- The NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Fund
Together, CFNOVA and NOVA Parks are preserving Northern Virginia’s parklands for generations.
Nature: A Cornerstone of Well-Being
As Executive Director of NOVA Parks, Paul has led the creation of 18 new parks, the acquisition of over 2,500 acres of parkland, and the development of innovative revenue streams. Under his leadership, NOVA Parks has also made significant strides in protecting rare habitats and promoting sustainable growth.
Paul’s leadership and public service have earned him several awards, including the 2022 Freedom Fund Award from the Fairfax NAACP and the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award from George Mason University. Growing up in Springfield Virginia, just two houses away lay a vast stretch of woods where Paul spent much of his childhood. His passion for nature deepened when he joined a Boy Scout troop that provided immersive, hands-on outdoor education. The troop camped year-round, regardless of weather, and Paul developed a love for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, paddling, and exploring the woods.
To this day, Paul believes nature offers vital stress relief, promotes physical well-being, and fosters an appreciation for air and water quality. “Under every rock is something magical,” he reflects. “No matter our economic background, we can all enjoy the outdoors and nature.”
NOVA Parks Outdoor Kids Grants
One of Paul’s dedicated initiatives at CFNOVA is the NOVA Parks Outdoors Kids Grants. NOVA Parks offers grants to Title-I schools in Northern Virginia to support field trips, enhancing access to parklands across the region. Furthermore, these programs align with Virginia Science Standards of Learning, providing educational opportunities for students and teachers.
Grantees can choose from various NOVA Parks and engage in the Roving Naturalist Program, where experienced naturalists lead hands-on learning experiences, including nature walks, live animal presentations, and more.
In the most recent field trip funded by these grants, NOVA Parks hosted 250 students. Paul is particularly proud of this opportunity, as it allows young people to experience our local parks—an experience they might not have had otherwise.
Transforming the Future of Northern Virginia
Through his leadership, philanthropy, and community involvement, Paul continues to shape the future of Northern Virginia. Paul Gilbert and NOVA Parks have been cherished partners of the Community Foundation through the years, and his appointment to the board will help strengthen CFNOVA’s impact throughout the region.
Welcome to the team, Paul!
Questions?
Questions?
