The Virginia chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has given its annual George Mason Award to David Poole, founder of the Virginia Public Access Project.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine presented Poole with the award Tuesday evening in Richmond at the Virginia SPJ’s 50th anniversary celebration, said Gail Gilmore, a past president of the Virginia chapter.

The award recognizes outstanding contributions to Virginia journalism. Poole is the 45th recipient.

Poole is a Florida native and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He worked as a reporter from 1983 to 1997 at newspapers including The Roanoke Times and The Virginian-Pilot.

The Virginia Public Access Project makes campaign finance data easily accessible online for the public and journalists.