The Phillip Goetkin award was created by Friends of Wolf Trap to honor individuals that have provided exemplary service to Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and to Friends of Wolf Trap. Phil initiated the emphasis on the natural environment of Wolf Trap including the gardens and wood lands. He approached the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club to request that it construct a hiking trail around the Wolf Trap perimeter. This trail has transformed the Park from a seasonal park to a year-round park. Phil was the first recipient of the award.
In late 2010, Phil initiated the construction of the Wolf Trap trail by engaging with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club & supported the establishment of Friends of Wolf Trap National Park. After Phil retired from Wolf Trap National Park, he moved to the Eastern Shore & became President of the Eastern Shore Master Gardner Program.
Marjorie Brown Holsing is a community leader, arts advocate, and environmental volunteer recognized for her foundational role in establishing Friends of Wolf Trap. A 2024 recipient of recognition for her service, she served as the organization’s founding Chair from 2011 to 2016, helping to build it from concept to a fully operational nonprofit.
Marjorie began her involvement while serving as Director of Corporate Volunteers at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), where she led employee engagement initiatives in Wolf Trap National Park. Her early efforts included organizing Potomac Watershed clean-up events and spearheading the installation of a demonstration vegetable meadow garden aligned with First Lady Michelle Obama’s national health initiatives. She later expanded her role to lead sustainability projects, coordinate the planting and maintenance of the Dimple Garden, and secure grant funding for plantings and environmental programs.
After several years of collaboration with park leadership, Marjorie helped bring to life the vision of a “Friends” organization dedicated to managing volunteers, increasing public awareness, and supporting the park’s natural, cultural, and sustainability efforts. As founding Chair, she led the organization’s formation—overseeing board development, drafting bylaws, securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in notably efficient time, and creating the organization’s initial branding, administrative materials, and outreach content.
During her tenure, Marjorie chaired regular board meetings, led volunteer recruitment and data management efforts, and continued to secure grants to support programming. She also played a key role in organizing and supporting community engagement initiatives, including BioBlitz events, gardening and naturalist programs, Pianos in the Park, and pre-season performances showcasing local musical talent.
In 2017, Marjorie stepped away from her leadership role to pursue her musical interests. She returned in 2024 in an Emeritus consulting capacity, continuing to lend her expertise and institutional knowledge to support the organization’s ongoing growth and impact.
Michael Moran (FOWT Board Member, Emeritus) — the third recipient (August 2018) — played an important role in establishing the trail, served as the first trail overseer, and was a founding director of Friends of Wolf Trap. He established excellent rapport with Wolf Trap staff & liaison with organizations that share the Friends and Park goals for the natural environment.
He provided leadership for Boy Scout Eagle projects that have improved the hiking experience. This includes the connector trail between Wolf Trap and Cinnamon Creek Homeowners Association that permits safe foot traffic to Meadowlark and the Fairfax County Gerry Connolly trail.