Chris Moore Named Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director

Chris Moore, most recently the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist, has taken the helm of the CBF Virginia office as its executive director. 

He replaces former Virginia Executive Director Peggy Sanner, who retired in August. Moore’s first day in the new position was Dec. 4. 

“I’m excited to help continue the excellent work of CBF’s Virginia office. We have a very talented staff that is doing great things from resiliency solutions to oyster restoration to conservation. I’m honored to be able to guide their efforts moving forward,” Moore said. 

Moore looks forward to applying his scientific and advocacy expertise to support the Virginia office’s initiatives in improving water quality and reducing pollution in the Bay watershed. 

“I’m fortunate to have a diverse background from my previous roles, which has prepared me for many of the issues we are working on,” Moore said. “We’ll hit the ground running during Virginia’s upcoming legislative session, including advocating for investment in clean water programs and resiliency, ensuring a healthy menhaden population, banning toxic pavement sealants, and preserving tree cover.” 

Since joining CBF in 2005 as a Science Advocate, Moore has led a host of advocacy, policy, and technical support efforts for Chesapeake Bay fisheries and water quality restoration. 

In the scientific field, Moore helped build sustainable fisheries for striped bass, Atlantic menhaden, and blue crabs, as well as supported oyster policy and restoration initiatives. Moore’s water quality work involved a wide range of activities including monitoring, on-the-ground restoration, and regulatory development. 

In addition, his advocacy efforts with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels helped garner legislative decisions important to improving the health of the Bay watershed. 

“I am very excited to announce Chris Moore as CBF’s new Virginia executive director,” said Alison Prost, CBF’s Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration. “His work building partnerships while consistently following the science will strengthen the initiatives of the Virginia office.” 

Moore received his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He received his master’s degree in Environmental Science and Public Policy from George Mason University. 

Moore currently resides in Virginia Beach with his wife Kristyn, children Aubrey and Callen, and their dogs Nauset and Haven. An avid sportsman, he spends as many days as possible on the waters and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay.