Richmond-area nonprofit leader Cat Anthony will serve as the next executive director of the Virginia Public Access Project, according to an announcement from the organization this week.

Anthony, a VCU grad who currently serves as executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation and president of the Virginia Trails Alliance, will officially join VPAP on Dec. 9.

She will replace departing executive director Chris Piper, who announced earlier this year that he’s leaving VPAP to return to election consulting work.

Founded in 1997 and based in Richmond, VPAP is a free public resource for information about Virginia government and politics. The organization publishes campaign finance data, elections results and voting trends, lobbying disclosures and a Virginia-focused daily news digest featuring state and local articles.

In the hiring announcement, Anthony said she’ll work to ensure VPAP remains “an indispensable resource for citizens across the Commonwealth.”

“I am honored to join VPAP and build on its legacy of trust, innovation, and fierce nonpartisanship,” Anthony said. “VPAP plays a vital role in helping Virginians understand the political process. Shining a light on campaign finance and the legislative process is key to securing our democracy for future generations.”

VPAP was founded by former journalist David M. Poole, who led the nonprofit for most of its existence before retiring in 2023. Piper, a former Virginia elections commissioner, took the reins from Poole.

“It has been an honor to lead VPAP and uphold its commitment to transparency and nonpartisan information,” said Piper. “Cat Anthony brings energy, vision, and a proven record of leadership.”

In addition to her work related to the Capital Trail — a bicycle and pedestrian path that runs more than 50 miles between Richmond and Williamsburg — Anthony has also done nonprofit work for outdoor- and recreation-focused groups such as the Blue Sky Fund and Sportable.

“When the Board began the search for a new executive director, we knew we needed someone with vision, energy, and a deep commitment to our mission,” said Ross Grogg, the chairman of VPAP’s board of directors. “Cat’s leadership experience, passion for the Commonwealth of Virginia and connecting people to leading an engaged life make her the ideal choice to guide VPAP into its next chapter.”

Contact Reporter Graham Moomaw at gmoomaw@richmonder.org. Poole also served as the founding development director for The Richmonder.