Why We Give – Mary Ann Lawler

Mary Ann Lawler

Mary Ann Lawler is the state conservation chair of the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) and a vigorous advocate for Virginia's natural heritage programs and northern Virginia’s natural areas, both statewide and locally. Having served on the board of the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council, she is currently serving her second term on the Arlington Urban Forestry Commission and writes a bimonthly newsletter for the Potowmack chapter of VNPS.

During her 34 years with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Ms. Lawler engaged in policy and budget work for all areas of the Department and its bureaus, including the land management agencies (parks, refuges, and public lands), water and minerals management and regulation, science, and Indian affairs. She spent her last 16 years in the Office of Budget for the Department, serving for five years as its director, where she oversaw department-wide budget development and appropriations processes. She served as the co-chair of the Budget Officers Advisory Council with the Office of Management and Budget.

In 1994, President Clinton presented Ms. Lawler with the Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive, the highest award given to career members of the Senior Executive Service.

Donate and Your Gift Will Be Matched

This video series coincides with our Donor Challenge: a generous group of supporters will match every dollar of every donation up to $75,000. A $50 donation becomes $100, $250 becomes $500, and $500 is worth $1,000! Click here to contribute to the Donor Challenge, and help NatureServe sustain the benefits we gain from a diverse and resilient natural world.