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Honoring the Lives and Passions of Chris and Zach

The Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher Fund was begun by Michele and Arash Mansouri in memory of their dear friends Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher. Michele and Arash started this fund as a way to keep their memory alive and ensure their legacy continues to benefit the community they loved so deeply.  This fund is a tribute to their lives, their passions, and the causes they cared about most.  

About Chris and Zach

Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher were remarkable individuals whose presence enriched the lives of everyone they met. Their sudden passing on July 22, 2024, was a profound loss, leaving a void in the hearts of their friends, colleagues, and the broader community.  

Zach was set to become the Chief Executive Officer of The Community Foundation in August 2024, poised to lead with the same dedication and vision he had demonstrated throughout his career. His contributions to organizations like FAHASS (Fredericksburg Area Health and Support Services), the University of Mary Washington, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation were significant and lasting. Zach's passion for the causes he championed was matched by his love for art, architecture, cooking, and anything that needed to be planted. He brought this same creativity and care to every aspect of his work, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire others. 

Chris was a man of many talents and passions. After earning his BS in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2000 and obtaining his private pilot license at just 17, he went on to make significant contributions in the aerospace industry. His career included roles at Booz Allen Hamilton and Analytic Graphics, Inc. (AGI), where he developed software for satellite and communications applications. In 2015, Chris co-founded OneSky Systems, Inc., dedicated to safely integrating Uncrewed Air Systems into global airspace. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris was a lover of gardening, historic preservation, painting, and flying. He was known for his generosity, infectious laugh, and deep compassion, especially when spending time with children. His love for life, animals, and those around him will be greatly missed. 

Both Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher were known for their intelligence, achievements, and unwavering commitment to their work. Despite their different career paths, they shared a deep passion for making a difference in the world around them. Their talents extended beyond their professional lives—they were trusted advisors, dear friends, and the go-to people for everything from gardening advice to restaurant recommendations. 

The Causes They Cared About

The Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher Fund is dedicated to supporting the causes that were closest to their hearts: 

• Historic Preservation: Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher had a profound appreciation for history and culture. This fund will support efforts to protect and preserve our community’s cultural resources, ensuring future generations can enjoy and learn from our unique background. 

• Environmental Stewardship: Their love for the natural world was evident in everything they did. The fund will contribute to projects that preserve and protect our environment, keeping our natural surroundings beautiful and healthy. 

• LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion: Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher were strong advocates for equality and justice. The fund will promote initiatives that ensure all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcome, respected, and valued. 

• Arts and Cultural Enrichment: Creativity and the arts were central to their lives. The fund will support artistic endeavors that bring joy, inspiration, and cultural richness to our community. 

• Animal Welfare: Their compassion extended to all living beings, especially animals. The fund will help support shelters and initiatives that ensure animals in our community are treated with the kindness and care they deserve. 

A Lasting Legacy

The Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher Fund is open to contributions from anyone who wishes to honor their memory and support these vital causes. Whether you knew them personally or simply share their passion for these issues, your donation will help continue the work they cared so much about. 

By contributing to this fund, you are helping to keep their spirit alive in our community, ensuring that their dedication to making the world a better place endures for years to come. 

To contribute to this fund, simply click Donate to This Fund.

Donations may also be mailed to:
The Community Foundation
The Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher Fund
PO Box 208
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-0208

Please make your check payable to:
The Chris Kucera and Zach Hatcher Fund