ACCD Executive Director Presented by the State Conservation Commission with Prestigious Leadership Training Excellence Award
Photo: Justin Challenger, State Conservation Commission; Emil Bove, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts; Heather Manzo, ACCD; Jill Whitcomb, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Secretary Russell Redding, Pennsyvlania Department of Agriculture. (Credit: Sonia Wasco)
“Throughout Heather’s tenure at ACCD, her focus has been building a nimble organization that supports staff and their development while executing the work professionally and for the common good. This recognition reflects the investment she has made in our team.” says Deputy Director of ACCD Karlin Lamberto. “Conservation, at its core, is about helping communities thrive and it starts from the ground up with support, accountability, and innovation. Heather embodies these qualities in her daily work here at ACCD––her team mentality, growth strategies, and talent cultivation skills are unmatched. We’re thrilled to see her recognized in this way.”
ACCD leads robust programs designed for urban and rural agriculture; stewards improvements to watersheds and key infrastructure; facilitates professional workshops and trainings; provides access to funding; educates professionals, public representatives and the general public; and acts as the state permitting authority for four PA clean water laws. Since ACCD’s inception, over 80 years ago, the organization has made significant measurable impact.
In the past 25 years alone, ACCD facilitated over $10 million in project funding related to infrastructure, farmland preservation, and community agriculture. In the past 25 years, the organization has preserved over 4,200 farm acres across 43 farms in partnership with Allegheny County Agriculture Lands Preservation Board; performed over 3,900 soil screenings; planted over 3,600 trees across 22 acres to offset erosion activity; completed 35+ watershed restoration projects; and has completed over 7,800 inspections and approved over 5,200 permits as a part of the Chapter 102 & 105 Permit Program.
"What makes ACCD so effective is our people-focused philosophy," says Executive Director Heather Manzo. "It's my honor every day to work alongside this team and support their critical work for our region. At ACCD, we listen to community and landowner concerns about flooding, landslides, and lead soil contamination and provide the technical knowledge and funding to design and build solutions. Our collaborative approach drives our effectiveness in building partnerships and unlocking millions in conservation funding."
Photo: SCC recognizes ACCD for 80 years of conservation service. (Credit: Sonia Wasco)
ABOUT ACCD: Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) is the trusted soil and water conservation partner in Allegheny County. As part of a national regulatory network tasked with the mission to protect, restore and preserve our natural resources, ACCD’s work focuses specifically on the keystones of our environment – soil and water. ACCD leads robust programs designed for urban and rural agriculture; facilitates professional workshops and trainings; provides access to funding; educates professionals, public representatives and the general public; and acts as the state permitting authority for four PA clean water laws.