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National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) proudly announced Ray Weaver of the Coffee County Soil and Water Conservation District as the recipient of its Outstanding District Board Member Award during the organization’s national awards presentation held alongside the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Conference. Founded in 1992, NCDEA works to strengthen conservation district programs nationwide by supporting the people who guide and sustain them. First presented in 1998, the Outstanding District Board Member Award honors an elected or appointed official whose long-term service demonstrates exceptional leadership, accountability, and commitment to locally led conservation.

This year’s honoree has served on a soil and water conservation district board for 25 years, including nearly a decade as chairman—providing steady governance, strategic vision, and unwavering support for district employees and producers. During this tenure, the district entered into conservation contracts with 792 individuals, impacting more than 236,000 acres through nearly $31 million in cost-share investments supporting soil health, water quality, and agricultural sustainability.

At both the local and state levels, this board member played a pivotal role in strengthening district operations, securing funding, expanding access to conservation equipment, and fostering partnerships across agriculture and natural resource organizations. Their leadership extended statewide through service in nearly every elected role within the state conservation association and nationally as a representative to the National Association of Conservation Districts Board, ensuring district voices were heard in policy and program discussions.

Equally significant is this individual’s personal commitment to conservation in practice. As a multi-generation farmer and recognized Soil Health Champion, they adopted reduced tillage and cover crops decades ago, setting an example for producers locally and beyond.

Their service spans youth education, faithbased leadership, farm organizations, livestock associations, and community outreach—demonstrating that conservation leadership extends far beyond the boardroom.

“Strong conservation districts depend on strong board leadership,” said Tim Riley, Executive Director of NCDEA. “This award honors a board member whose lifetime of service has elevated conservation districts, empowered employees, and delivered lasting results for land and people.”

The National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA) is a 501(c)(3) organization working nationwide to elevate the capacity of conservation district employees and districts through professional development, partnership building, and advocacy. More information is available at www. ncdea.us.