#United States #Atlanta #Cox Enterprises #Eric Grace #Eco Scouts

Cox Enterprises Celebrates 2025 Cox Conserves Heroes

ATLANTA, Oct. 30, 2025 — In a commendable recognition of environmental advocacy, Cox Enterprises has proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Cox Conserves Heroes program. This year’s heroes are Eric Grace, Isaac Nelson, and The Plastic Ocean Project, all of whom have made significant contributions to sustainability and environmental health.

The Mission of Cox Conserves Heroes

The Cox Conserves Heroes program is an integral part of Cox Enterprises' wider commitment to sustainability. It serves to honor both adult and youth volunteers, along with non-profit organizations, that strive to make a profound impact on the environment. Winners of this prestigious program receive grants that support their chosen environmental non-profits, fostering further positive change.

Each of this year’s winners earned a $30,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to benefit a nonprofit organization of their selection. The partnership between the James M. Cox Foundation and Cox Enterprises has resulted in an impressive collective contribution of over $325 million allocated to conservation initiatives.

Jim Kennedy, the Chairman Emeritus of Cox Enterprises, reflects on the program's journey. “Over two decades ago, we launched Cox Conserves because we were firm in our belief that business success should not be at odds with environmental responsibility. From small volunteer efforts, we have seen this initiative expand significantly, celebrating the achievements of dedicated individuals and organizations.”

Meet the 2025 Heroes

Eric Grace

Eric Grace has been awarded the Groundbreaker award in the adult category. He is the founder of the Creek Cleanup Project, where he has mobilized volunteers over the past eight years to remove a staggering 500,000 pounds of litter and 20,000 tires from the Conococheague Creek, spanning 93 miles across Pennsylvania and Maryland. Through his grassroots efforts, Eric has been instrumental in restoring local waterways and instilling a sense of environmental pride within the community.

Isaac Nelson

Isaac Nelson, hailing from Florida, is this year's Planet Protector and winner of the youth category. This middle school student initiated Eco Scouts, a project aimed at encouraging his peers to safeguard the coastal environments in their area. Isaac leads activities focused on restoring coral reefs and mangroves, conducting water quality tests, and organizing beach cleanups. His proactive approach also involves educating fellow students through films, podcasts, and hands-on projects, emphasizing the importance of caring for coastal ecosystems.

The Plastic Ocean Project

This year's Jim Kennedy Conservation Award was bestowed upon The Plastic Ocean Project, a remarkable youth-led organization based in Wilmington, North Carolina. Committed to addressing the global plastic pollution crisis, The Plastic Ocean Project employs research, education, and community outreach as vital tools. Their innovative initiatives, including comprehensive trash cleanups and impactful reforestation efforts, aim for tangible improvements in both human and environmental health.

Honorable Mentions

Aside from the main winners, the program also recognizes additional inspiring volunteers. Second and third-place winners in both adult and youth categories receive grants of $15,000 and $5,000, respectively, for their chosen nonprofits.

• - Adult Volunteers

- Second Place: Yuri Williams, Long Beach, CA
- Third Place: Christy Thrift, Bakersville, NC

• - Youth Volunteers

- Second Place: Mahisha Shah, Collin County, TX
- Third Place: Ryle Brooke Kamahele, Honolulu, HI

• - Nonprofits

- Second Place: Common Ground Relief, New Orleans, LA
- Third Place: The Northern Virginia Conservation, Annandale, VA

Since its inception in 2008, Cox Conserves Heroes has proudly honored over 200 volunteers across the United States who are dedicated to creating a sustainable future through their environmental protection efforts.

To discover more about the impact of the Cox Conserves Heroes program and learn about the inspiring work of the 2025 winners, please visit CoxEnterprises.com/our-impact.

About Cox Enterprises

Cox Enterprises embodies a commitment to empowering individuals toward a more sustainable future. As a leader in industries ranging from broadband and automotive to media, Cox also invests in emerging technologies focused on agriculture, renewable energy, and software for the public sector. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Cox operates globally with annual revenues of $23 billion and a proud legacy spanning over 125 years.

About the James M. Cox Foundation

Named after the founder of Cox Enterprises, the James M. Cox Foundation focuses on community support, especially in the areas of biodiversity, conservation, early childhood education, health, and family empowerment. The foundation is dedicated to providing meaningful contributions to the areas in which Cox operates.