Scott Douglas Ballin, born on May 5, 1952, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, died suddenly at his home in Deerfield, Virginia, on January 1 from natural causes. He was a visionary leader whose life's work was guided by a deep belief that meaningful and lasting change comes through dialogue, respect, and collaboration across differences.

Scott spent his early years in Findlay, Ohio, before moving with his family to Washington, DC. He later lived in Geneva, Switzerland where he attended the International School of Geneva (Ecolint) and completed his secondary education at St. Albans School in Washington, DC. These formative experiences, shaped by both American and international environments, contributed to the global perspective that informed his work throughout his life. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, followed by a law degree from George Mason University School of Law.

For more than three decades, Scott dedicated his professional life to public health advocacy, with a particular focus on tobacco control. he played a significant role in shaping national tobacco and nicotine policy, addressing issues ranging from product regulation and labeling to excise taxes and clean indoor air laws. He was widely respected for his ability to convene stakeholders on opposing sides of deeply entrenched debates and to guide conversations toward constructive, pragmatic solutions.

Scott served for more than ten years as Vice President and Legislative Counsel at the American Heart Association. His leadership reflected a conviction that effective public health policy must be both principled and inclusive. Long before it became common practice, he advocated for supporting tobacco farmers in their transition to alternative livelihoods, insisting that a just end to smoking must acknowledge economic realities and create viable paths forward. In this spirit, he met with former President Jimmy Carter to discuss how tobacco farmers could be meaningfully included in the regulation of tobacco in ways that were fair, humane, and sustainable.

Scott's vision extended well beyond tobacco control. He believed that the same principles of engagement, listening, and mutual respect could be applied to many of the world's most complex and divided challenges. This belief was reflected in initiatives such as the Morven Farm (UVA Foundation) gatherings in Albemarle County, where he brought together participants from academia, industry, advocacy organizations, philanthropy, and emerging sectors to foster understanding and explore practical solutions. The tone he established, marked by curiosity and respect, allowed dialogue to move forward in ways that were both rare and impactful.

Beyond his professional achievements, Scott was a passionate collector, historian, and deeply engaged member of his local community. He was a longtime and dedicated supporter of the Augusta County Historical Society and of the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art, where the society is located. It was here that his interests in history, culture, and community came together through years of planning and fundraising efforts, culminating in the creation of the Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden, which transformed a neglected back alley behind the Smith Center into an area of beauty and peace. Scott is also the recipient of the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award for Contributions to Community Cultural Enrichment.

Over the course of his involvement with the Historical Society, he curated at least ten highly acclaimed exhibits in the society's gallery addressing important topics of American history, including immigration and exploration. These exhibitions drew visitors from across the Mid-Atlantic region and reflected Scott's commitment to making history accessible and meaningful. In 2017, the Historical Society awarded him its Distinguished History Service Award in recognition of his efforts and accomplishments.

Scott's dedication to community extended beyond history and culture to the protection of land and people. He was one of the leaders in the years-long, ultimately successful effort to stop the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Recognizing the threat that a 48-inch high-pressure gas line posed to the people, farms, and landscape of Augusta County and beyond, he worked tirelessly in opposition. After the pipeline was halted, he turned his attention to supporting other organizations committed to protecting the Valley's clean water, working lands, and rural heritage for generations to come.

Music was another enduring passion. Scott was a devoted supporter of the Heifetz Institute in Staunton, Virginia, and a strong advocate for bringing world-class musical excellence into local communities. He believed deeply in the power of music to enrich lives, strengthen community bonds, and inspire connection.

Scott deeply loved Deerfield, his home, where he lived with his wife, Peggy, and felt a profound connection to the land, the surrounding valley, and the changing skies. He took great pleasure in sitting on the porch with Peggy, watching the sunrise and sunset and observing storms as they rolled in and out across the valley. Whether with a cup of coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening, these shared moments brought him joy and a sense of grounding. Nearby, his beloved dog, Coco, kept watch. He was also especially grateful to the local community and to those who helped him care for and manage the land he cherished, particularly Jerry Thomas and Rusty Carter.

Above all, Scott was a dedicated, loving, and deeply present husband to Peggy and a devoted father to their two sons, Christopher and Andrew. Family meant everything to him, and he treasured time spent together, whether in conversation, shared meals, or the unhurried moments that defined home.

Those who knew Scott remember his intellect, generosity of spirit, and steady belief in people's capacity to work together across differences. He will also be sorely missed for his wonderful sense of humor and his deep loyalty to his friends and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in his enduring conviction that collaboration, dignity, and shared responsibility are essential to meaningful and lasting change.

Scott is survived by his wife, Peggy; his sons, Christopher and Andrew; his brothers Kirk (Robin) and Stuart (Anne); his sister Beth (Manny); his nephews Alexander, William (Tanya), and Sion; his nieces Claire, Adrienne (Zack) and Gwenivere (Callum), and Scott's extended family and dear friends across the United States and abroad.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held January 31, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Staunton, VA, the Reverends Paul Webber and Kirk Ballin presiding. Family will receive friends following the service.

Memorial Donations may be made to the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art (the Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden) and The Heifitz Institute "In Memory of Scott D. Ballin".

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net