Board of Directors |
Board Officers
As of November 2019
Kenneth Disselkoen, LCSW, Board Chair
David Evans, Vice Chair
Joyce Williams, Esq., Secretary
Stephanie Castor, MBA, Treasurer
Note: All Board Officers and Members are independent, voting members of the Board of Directors.
Kenneth Disselkoen, LCSW, Board Chair
David Evans, Vice Chair
Joyce Williams, Esq., Secretary
Stephanie Castor, MBA, Treasurer
Note: All Board Officers and Members are independent, voting members of the Board of Directors.
Board Members
|
Elin Bohn
Gail Clarke Suzy Coffey Stefanie Cruz Thomas J. Curcio, Esq. Nancy Hawkins, ex officio Janet Heddesheimer, PhD Alison DeCourcey, United Community Executive Director |
Eric C. Johnson
Lisa Jones Jeff Kirsch Garrett McGuire Craig A. Oldham. MBA James Seeley James Turner, Esq. Nathaniel Wilson |
Board Officer Bios
KENNETH DISSELKOEN, LCSW - BOARD CHAIR
Kenneth Disselkoen was elected to the Board in December 2014. He was elected Board chair in December 2016. He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). He retired in 2013 from Fairfax County Government as director, Department of Systems Management for Human Services (DSMHS), with more than 28 years of clinical, programmatic, administrative and policy management, and leadership experience at the program, division, and agency levels. As the first regional director at DSMHS, Ken planned, implemented, and managed a prototype approach to regional collaboration and operations. Prior to joining Fairfax County Government, he served as mental health director at the Mount Vernon Center for Community Mental Health. He has served on the administrative Board at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, has coached Gunston Soccer and Fort Hunt Little League, and has served on the Board at Waynewood Recreation Association. Ken earned his BA in sociology from Calvin College and his Master's degree in social work at Tulane University. He and his wife, Fran Hicks, reside in the Waynewood community in Alexandria, where they raised two children, Bailey and Paul.
DavID Evans - VICE CHAIR
David Evans was elected to the Board in May 2017. He is the president and a co-founder of La Prima Food Group Inc. He is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive financial experience related to restaurant management, real estate development, and retail operations. As the former comptroller and treasurer for the Alexandria-based Delta Group, the original owners of the La Prima restaurants, David established the financial reporting systems for La Prima including cost analysis, sales analysis, and site selection financial parameters. Previously vice president of finance for Farr-Jewett Companies, he has held senior positions with other real estate related firms, including Quadrangle Development in Washington, DC. David has served on the boards of various community organizations, including board director of Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, treasurer of Burgundy Farm Country Day School, and treasurer of The Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University. He received his CPA Certificate from the State of Ohio and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Joyce Williams, ESQ. - SECRETARY
Joyce Williams was elected to the Board in December 2017. She is the owner and managing attorney at Armooh-Williams, PLLC. She focuses her practice on International Trade, Business, and Immigration Law. Prior to founding Armooh-Williams, PLLC, Joyce worked as a consultant at SILLAC, S.C where she advised individuals and multinational companies from Latin America and the Caribbean on US trade policies.
From 2013 to 2017, she worked at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law in Incheon, South Korea, the National Law Center for Inter American Free Trade in Tucson, Arizona, and the International Law Institute in Washington, DC.
Through the Africa Bar Association and the American Bar Association, Joyce has provided technical assistance to lawyers and governments across Africa on the use of Arbitration as a vehicle to improve the business environment and attract foreign direct investments. Joyce also serves on the Board of Asankrangwa Kroye Kuo. She is a former Board member of Bakashana in Zambia.
From 2013 to 2017, she worked at the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law in Incheon, South Korea, the National Law Center for Inter American Free Trade in Tucson, Arizona, and the International Law Institute in Washington, DC.
Through the Africa Bar Association and the American Bar Association, Joyce has provided technical assistance to lawyers and governments across Africa on the use of Arbitration as a vehicle to improve the business environment and attract foreign direct investments. Joyce also serves on the Board of Asankrangwa Kroye Kuo. She is a former Board member of Bakashana in Zambia.
STEPHANIE CASTOR, MBA - TREASURER
Stephanie Castor was elected to the Board as treasurer in December 2017. A CPA by background, she brings more than 15 years of significant finance, systems, legislative, change management, and training working in the federal government. Stephanie currently serves as a director at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in the Office of Finance and Administration. She earned a BS in accounting at the University of South Carolina and MBA at Wake Forest University.
Board Director Bios
Elin Bohn
Elin Bohn was elected to the United Community Board when she served as President of The Friends of United Community in 2017. She is a former flight attendant and retired sales executive who has lived in the Mount Vernon Community for over 35 years. As a sales professional, Elin has much experience working with nonprofit organizations and school volunteers. Elin graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and also attended the University of Vienna, Austria. Elin and her late husband Mike raised their two sons in the Waynewood neighborhood.
Gail Clarke
Gail Clarke was elected to the United Community Board in June 2019. Gail is recognized as a strategic leader and functional expert on cybersecurity in the Headquarters Department of the US Army, currently serving as program manager at Booz Allen Hamilton. She is a proud recipient of a Booz Allen Excellence Award, based on key contributions to the Women’s Agenda in the category of Diversity. She is also a past honoree of the Technology All Star Award at the Women of Color in STEM Conference. Previously Gail served in the US Army as an information assurance officer providing leadership and management in the US and abroad. She obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and among her military awards and decorations is the Legion of Merit. Gail is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she has served for more than 20 years on various committees, as co-chair for the Bethlehem Baptist 150 year anniversary, a member on the Strategic Planning Committee, co-chair of the Lord Fairfax Charity Ride, and liaison for Bethlehem with many community support organizations. She is a member of the Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), Inc. and serves on the Executive Board of the Dale City-Prince William County Chapter. She has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., since 1977. Gail earned a MS in information systems technology from Webster University; MA in public administration at University of Oklahoma; BS in information systems management at University of Maryland; and BA in sociology at Saint Paul’s College. She is a native of the District of Columbia and resides in Alexandria with her husband Maurice.
Suzy Coffey
Suzy Coffey was elected to the Board in December 2014 and is a past President of The Friends of United Community. She works as a personal trainer for Results Fitness, Alexandria. Suzy spent 14.5 years in Federal service working for the US Customs Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as a personnel management specialist, Health Improvement Program coordinator, National Health/Fitness director and Headquarters fitness director. A graduate of State University of NY, Cortland with a BS in Physical Education, Suzy earned her MA in exercise physiology from the University of Maryland. Her community volunteer work includes 12 years on the Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre (MVCCT) Board (four years as President), PTA membership chair for West Potomac High School, and PTA president for Clermont Elementary School. Suzy and her husband, Jack, live in the Flower’s Addition to Wilton Woods area of Fairfax County.
Stefanie Cruz
Stefanie Cruz was elected to the Board in February 2018. She serves as vice president of marketing and digital strategy at America's Promise Alliance. Previously, she was with AARP, launching a national digital campaign on behalf of AARP and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation on the future of nursing. Prior to her work at AARP, she was director of digital media for US Rep. Sander Levin, where she built online communities to advance the congressman’s agenda. At Sister to Sister/Hermana a Hermana, Stefanie created and implemented youth development programs for girls and young women ages 13 to 21 in the Columbia Heights area of Washington DC. She is a graduate of Pepperdine University, where she studied abroad in South Africa and Hong Kong, and earned her BA in Political Science and Sociology. She received her Project Management Certification from the Rutgers School of Business.
Thomas J. Curcio, Esq.
Thomas J. Curcio was elected to the Board in December 2016. He is the principal of Curcio Law, a personal injury law firm in Alexandria VA. A graduate of both State University of New York at Stony Brook and the George Washington School of Law, Tom handles personal injury cases, including automobile accidents, wrongful death, brain injury cases, and insurance litigation. He is the immediate past president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America; is rated AV by Martindale Hubbell; and is an author and speaker on evidence, personal injury, and related topics. Believing in the adage that “To whom much is given, much is expected,” Tom believes in giving back to both the legal and local community. He started a mentorship program for young lawyers. He and his wife Gale support several local organizations focused on improving the plight and opportunities of others.
Patricia Lingan-Fowler
Patricia Lingan-Fowler was elected as President of The Friends of United Community in June 2020 and is an ex-officio member of the United Community Board. (Bio coming soon.)
Janet Heddesheimer, PhD
Janet Heddesheimer has served on the Board since December 2013. She served as Board vice chair until December 2017. She retired in 2014 from The George Washington University as counseling professor emerita. During her 40-year tenure, she served in many academic and administrative roles, including teaching numerous graduate counseling classes, serving one term as a department chair, and 24 years in dean roles, such as assistant and associate dean, academic associate dean, senior associate dean and twice acting dean. Janet is a licensed professional counselor in the State of Virginia and a national certified counselor. A graduate of Coe College with a BA in English, she earned both her MA in counseling and guidance and her PhD in counselor education at The Ohio State University. Janet and her husband Jon live in the Mason Hill neighborhood of Alexandria.
Eric C. Johnson
Eric C. Johnson was elected to the Board in July 2017. He began his development career at M.I.T. where he worked for 20 years, including four years as director of corporate relations with responsibility for the Industrial Liaison Program and all corporate gifts. As assistant dean of engineering at M.I.T. in the early 1980s, he helped develop a large university-industry partnership called Leaders for Manufacturing. In 1981-82, Eric took a leave from his university career to return to industry, serving for two years as marketing manager with Zanussi S.p.A. in Italy. Earlier in his career, he worked as an engineer with Kennecott Copper Corporation. In 1992, he became vice president for development at Carnegie Mellon University. He was named vice president for resource development at Rice University in 1999. At both universities, Eric had overall responsibility for philanthropy and alumni relations. He led Rice’s first comprehensive campaign, successfully raising over $500 million; at Carnegie Mellon, he led a successful $350 million campaign. In 2008, he became chief advancement officer for the National Academies in Washington DC, until his retirement in July 2011. He is active as a consultant and advisor to universities and other nonprofit organizations. Eric earned his Bachelor's degree in engineering at M.I.T. and Master's degree in operations research at Case Western Reserve University. He and his wife Kathleen reside in Old Town Alexandria.
Lisa Jones, MBA
Lisa Jones was elected to the United Community Board in June 2019. She is a dedicated professional with the desire to be an agent of change and is passionate about the growth and development of bringing out the "best self'" of others. She has been with Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) for almost 13 years, currently serving as a benefits specialist III within the Self Sufficiency Division and is a leadership coach. Lisa began her career with DFS as an administrative specialist III with the Protection and Preservation Services/Child Protection Services Programs. She has had an opportunity to work with others to help develop effective and efficient processes in order to create islands of success for both employees and clients. Lisa holds an MBA with a concentration in management and an MS in human resource management with a concentration in organizational and human resource development from Strayer University. She is an alumnus of the DFS Leadership Academy Program, and Leadership Coaching for Organizational Well-Being from George Mason University. She serves in various community roles, including an advocate for the right to vote as a Fairfax County chief elections officer, a neighborhood ambassador with United Community, a building captain with Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, and a unit leader with Soka Gakkai International (Nichiren Buddhism) with Parkway Chapter South Alexandria. Lisa and her daughter, Chanel, live in Colchester Towne area of Fairfax County.
Jeff Kirsch
Jeff Kirsch was elected to the board in September 2019. He has lived in our area for more than 40 years, where he and his wife (a social worker in the area) raised two daughters, who both graduated from West Potomac pyramid schools and attended James Madison University. He is a member of the Gartlan Center Mental Health Advisory Board and a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was president of the Virginia Progressive Party and played varsity soccer. After college, Jeff coached girls with the Lee-Mt. Vernon Soccer Association for twelve years. He recently retired from a 45-year career in the nonprofit sector focusing on changing public policy impacting children and families. Over the course of his career, Jeff worked with several national organizations -- including Northern Virginia Legal Services -- focusing on anti-hunger, health, and education issues. His primary responsibility as a manager was to promote efficient and effective organizational development and advocacy. Jeff has served on the Board of Directors for Families USA, a leading national organization representing health care consumers, and is honored and excited to join United Community's Board.
Garrett McGuire
Garrett McGuire was elected to the Board in October of 2019. Garrett currently serves as the Regional Director for External and Legislative Affairs for AT&T in Virginia. In this role, Garrett helps advocate for company priorities at the state and local level in Virginia, while also promoting AT&T’s work in the community. Garrett has an extensive background in government relations and public policy. Prior to AT&T, he led state government relations advocacy for a trade association representing a sector of American manufacturing. Garrett has also worked for elected leaders in a legislative and campaign role at the local, state, and federal level. Garrett currently serves as the Mt. Vernon District appointed representative to the Fairfax – Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB). He holds an undergraduate and graduate degree from Virginia Tech. Garrett and his wife Meghan live in Alexandria, Virginia with their dog, Cassie.
Craig A. Oldham, MBA
Craig A. Oldham was elected to the Board in September 2018. He is an accomplished senior executive, with a consistent track record for accelerating revenue growth, principally using the most sophisticated and digital marketing technologies. Presently, Craig leads a marketing consulting practice advising companies on how to drive substantial value through digital marketing innovation, and is also a member of Chief Outsiders, providing ‘fractional CMO shares' to companies. He is widely acknowledged both as a change agent and for his digital marketing expertise. Previously, he held senior marketing posts at several leading consumer, business to business, and financial services companies. His contributions have been within telecom, insurance, financial services, software, advertising, and nonprofit sectors. Craig earned his MBA in marketing from the University of Illinois, after completing a BA in telecommunications from Indiana University. He is a member of The Marketing Leaders of DC, and has published prominent works in CIO Magazine, Internet Retailer, the Business Journal and the like, and given a keynote address to the National Retail Federations. Craig resides in the Washington DC area with his wife and son.
James Seeley
James Seeley was elected to the Board in December 2013. He was elected Board secretary in December 2016 and served as Board vice chair during 2018. Jim retired in 2010 after serving for 35 years as the chief federal lobbyist for the City of Los Angeles in Washington DC. Prior to that, he worked for the State of Illinois for seven years after working for the Federal Government for eight years. In all his professional positions, Jim has worked with the federal agencies that are responsible for providing financial and technical assistance to state and local governments. Jim and his wife, Jo Ann, have lived in the Stratford Landing neighborhood since 1969 in the same house where they raised their 11 children.
James Turner, Esq.
James "Jamie" Turner was elected to the United Community Board in February 2019. Jamie has been a life-long resident in the Mount Vernon area of Fairfax County. He is an attorney and has had his law practice in the City of Alexandria for 35 years. He deals with real estate matters, zoning, matters, elder law, and estate planning. He is actively involved in real estate development. He began his legal career as a magistrate with the Supreme Court of Virginia and then served as special magistrate with Fairfax County. He has served as a special commissioner, guardian, and guardian ad litem with various Circuit Courts during his legal career. He currently serves as trustee under various trusts for clients and their children. Jamie was an undergraduate at Ferrum College and then James Madison University, and graduated from Potomac School of Law. He is married to Beverly Turner and has two daughters and three grandchildren. They have been active with United Community for more than 25 years and attend Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, where Jamie has served as a deacon and trustee.
Nathaniel Wilson
Nathaniel Wilson was elected to the Board in February 2019. He is a retired US Air Force officer who served his country with distinction. Nate retired as a deputy base commander and continues to serve as chairman emeritus of the Quantico/Belvoir Regional Business Alliance. He has also served with the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, as vice president, oresident, and chairman. Now an adjunct professor at Central Texas College and Webster University teaching religious studies, he also serves on the ministerial staff at Fort Belvoir Chapel. Nate earned his BA in sociology from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, his MA in management and supervision from Central Michigan University, and his Masters of Divinity from Virginia Union University.
EMERITUS BOARD
David Barbour is a retired administrative law judge at the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission. Dave has served as president of two national associations of administrative law judges, as a board member at the Washington Decorative Arts Forum, and as PTA president at Hollin Meadows Elementary School. He earned his BA in history from the University of Michigan and his LLB from The George Washington University. Dave and his wife Nancy raised their family in the Hollin Brook Park neighborhood of Alexandria, now residing in Old Town Alexandria.
Joe Canny worked in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, specializing in environmental and safety issues. He served as deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy for ten years. He served on United Community's Board of Directors, including as Board president. He has also been a volunteer at a number of other organizations.
Marie Canny worked in the Fairfax County Public Schools. She began her career in the field of education as a teacher, then as a mathematics curriculum assistant, and continued as a principal, and administrator of various programs at the central office level including planning, testing and evaluation, and grants and alternative high schools. During her tenure in the school system, Marie directed the programs for gifted and talented education. Additionally she has served as secretary of the Civic Association of Hollin Hills and the Georgetown Community Chorale. Committed to community service, Marie has served as United Community Board President, on the Board of the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony, and as the vice president of the Northern Virginia Council of Gifted/Talented Education. She has also served as a docent at Octagon House.
Joseph Conti is a retired senior banking executive, retiring in 1992 as a senior vice president with Bankers Trust Company after a 23 year tenure. He is a member of the Emeritus Board of the Children’s Law Center in Washington DC and of the Alumni Board of Doorways for Women and Families in Arlington VA. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in business management, he earned his MBA from the Bernard Baruch College of the City University of New York. Joe and his wife Dorothy live in The Manors at Mount Vernon in Alexandria.
Felicea Meyer-Deloatch has been working with children and families for more than 25 years in a variety of settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in special education and general education from Central Washington University, where she began her special education career in corrections education. She earned her Master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she began her social work career providing intensive in-home court mandated therapy. Felicea specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as a licensed school social worker in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Bruce Engelmann is a certified public accountant operating his tax and accounting practice serving small businesses and individuals. Bruce served on the United Community Board for many terms, including as Board treasurer. He served on the board of Highland Park Pool for ten years, including as president for four years, and on the board of Florence Overlook Homeowners Association for eight years. He has been very involved in his children’s school activities and coaching their recreational sport teams. Bruce earned his Master’s degree in accountancy from Virginia Tech. He and his wife Beth raised their family in the Florence Overlook neighborhood of Alexandria, now residing in Maryland.
Robert Faherty is publisher emeritus at The Brookings Institution. For 29 years, he served as vice president/ director of the Brookings Institution Press. For the past many years, he has served as an adjunct professor. He is a former Board chair of United Community.
Ron Fitzsimmons is executive director of Alice's Kids. Ron worked for three Members of Congress and was the first male hired by the National Abortion Rights Action League, where he served as chief lobbyist. In the early 1990s, he founded the National Coalition of Abortion Providers and served as its executive director for 13 years. In 1994, Washingtonian named Ron one of the "Top 50 Lobbyists" in Washington, DC. He served on the staff of Supervisor Gerry Hyland for six years. In April 2016, he was named the "Mount Vernon Community Champion" by Supervisor Dan Storck.
Myong Jensen has a distinguished record of top-notch performance in the process engineering and information technology fields. She is a recognized leader and critical thinker, with over 30 years of experience in identifying and applying advanced technologies and business practices to help solve client problems. These innovative, ground-breaking solutions are applied today by the Department of Defense, Military Health Systems, federal and state government and commercial clients to enhance their overall effectiveness. Myong is currently the president and CEO of Information Technology Solutions and Consulting LLC (ITSC). She holds a Master's of Science in systems management. She received her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in computer science and business.
Doug Kennett served as United Community Board chair. He retired from a distinguished career at Boeing in 2010, as vice president, communications, at Boeing A&M.
Charles “Charlie” King is an acknowledged authority on regulatory economics with more 40 years' experience in economic consulting in the transportation, utility, and telecommunications sectors. Charlie is a founder of the firm now known as Snavely King Majoros & Associates, Inc., where he serves as president emeritus. A graduate of Washington and Lee University with a BA in economics, he earned his MA in government economic policy from The George Washington University.
Elaine Kolish is a nationally recognized expert on food marketing to children issues and advertising and consumer-protection issues generally. She served as president of the United Community Board during 2013 and was a member of the Board for six years. She is the former vice president/director, Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB). For more than 8 years, she led CFBAI and established it as important voice in the national conversation about childhood obesity. Prior to joining BBB in 2006, Elaine was a partner at the national law firm now called Dentons, where she specialized in counseling national advertisers on advertising law compliance. From 1980 until 2005, she served as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, as a a member of the Senior Executive Service and head of the Division of Enforcement in the Bureau of Consumer Protection. She led numerous national advertising cases and rulemaking proceedings. She also oversaw the Bureau's regulatory review efforts, as well as a number of other key policy initiatives including the Class Action Fairness Monitoring Project and the Hispanic consumer-protection program. Elaine was an editor of the ABA’s Antitrust Section treatise on consumer protection law. She is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and graduated magna cum laude from Western New England College School of Law.
Adeline “Addy” Krizek co-founded Christian Relief Services Charities (CRSC) with her husband Gene in 1985. CRSC was founded on the belief that community partnerships are the best way to solve problems related to poverty, both here in the United States and around the world. The mission of Christian Relief Services is to work through partnerships and in collaboration with grassroots charitable groups, churches, and human service agencies, to connect the vast resources of America to help those in need in their own local communities and to enable people to help themselves. Earlier in her career, Addy worked for a Fairfax County Supervisor, then for the Red Cross as director of a new office which she opened in our community. Later, she served as United Community's director of development. She is a past president of the local Juvenile Diabetes Foundation chapter.
Maureen McGuire-Kuletz is director of The George Washington University Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program as well as an associate professor of counseling in the Graduate School of Education. Maureen has served as president of The Friends of United Community and is a former co-chair of The Campagna Center Board of Directors.
Mary Ellen Mehler spent 45 years as teacher and school administrator in career and technical education areas. She worked in public high schools, community colleges, and Army Education Centers in various states and various roles. She retired from Arlington Public Schools as supervisor of the business, marketing, and computer science departments for the K-12 system. She served as GED chief examiner for Arlington Adult Education. Mary Ellen taught basic computer application classes at United Community's Workforce Development Center for many years. She also briefly taught ESL classes at Progreso. Mary Ellen holds a BAin economics and finance from Marymount College of Kansas and a Master's degree in adult education and human resource development from The George Washington University.
Andrew Reinsdorf served on the United Community Board from December 2013 to December 2016. He is a senior vice president at AT&T. Prior to joining DIRECTv in 2005 (which became AT&T), Andrew held senior government affairs positions with the National Association of Broadcasters. He earned his BA in politics from Ithaca College. He and his wife Meredith live in the Hollin Glen neighborhood of Alexandria. They are parishoners at St. Louis Catholic Church.
Martin Schaefermeir served on the Board from December 2015 to 2018. He is Of Counsel in the Washington DC office of DLA Piper, with more than 20 years of experience in a full spectrum of international trade matters. Martin practices international trade law, with a focus on import relief actions and litigation and on related import/export matters. He has served on the Board of Directors of Mansion House Club, Inc., and on the Duke Law Alumni Association. After receiving his first law degree from Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany, Martine earned a Masters of Law from Duke University School of Law. He and his wife Grace reside in the Mount Vernon neighborhood in Alexandria, where they are active members of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
The Honorable Mark Sickles has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2004, representing the 43rd District in the Fairfax County suburbs of the Washington DC metro area. He is a former United Community Board president. Mark has been the Virginia House Minority Caucus chair since 2012. He has served on the House committees on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, Commerce and Labor, Health, Welfare and Institutions and Privileges and Elections (2004-). Mark received a BS degree in Forest Management from Clemson University, a Master of Science in industrial management from Georgia Tech, and a second MS in technology and science policy. He is a fellow with the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.
Diane Tollefson is a past president of The Friends of United Community. Currently semi-retired, she has raised three wonderful children, spent many years as a volunteer for the community through her children's schools, her church, and local organizations. She worked in the corporate sector as a human resource professional, and for nonprofit organizations with a special interest in start-up and early development. A native of South Dakota and graduate of the University of South Dakota, Diane long ago adopted Virginia as home and has lived in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County for more than 40 years. She and her husband Ron live in the Oakbrooke neighborhood in Alexandria.
Joe Canny worked in the Office of the Secretary of Transportation, specializing in environmental and safety issues. He served as deputy assistant secretary for transportation policy for ten years. He served on United Community's Board of Directors, including as Board president. He has also been a volunteer at a number of other organizations.
Marie Canny worked in the Fairfax County Public Schools. She began her career in the field of education as a teacher, then as a mathematics curriculum assistant, and continued as a principal, and administrator of various programs at the central office level including planning, testing and evaluation, and grants and alternative high schools. During her tenure in the school system, Marie directed the programs for gifted and talented education. Additionally she has served as secretary of the Civic Association of Hollin Hills and the Georgetown Community Chorale. Committed to community service, Marie has served as United Community Board President, on the Board of the Northern Virginia Youth Symphony, and as the vice president of the Northern Virginia Council of Gifted/Talented Education. She has also served as a docent at Octagon House.
Joseph Conti is a retired senior banking executive, retiring in 1992 as a senior vice president with Bankers Trust Company after a 23 year tenure. He is a member of the Emeritus Board of the Children’s Law Center in Washington DC and of the Alumni Board of Doorways for Women and Families in Arlington VA. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University with a BS in business management, he earned his MBA from the Bernard Baruch College of the City University of New York. Joe and his wife Dorothy live in The Manors at Mount Vernon in Alexandria.
Felicea Meyer-Deloatch has been working with children and families for more than 25 years in a variety of settings. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in special education and general education from Central Washington University, where she began her special education career in corrections education. She earned her Master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she began her social work career providing intensive in-home court mandated therapy. Felicea specializes in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, as a licensed school social worker in Fairfax County Public Schools.
Bruce Engelmann is a certified public accountant operating his tax and accounting practice serving small businesses and individuals. Bruce served on the United Community Board for many terms, including as Board treasurer. He served on the board of Highland Park Pool for ten years, including as president for four years, and on the board of Florence Overlook Homeowners Association for eight years. He has been very involved in his children’s school activities and coaching their recreational sport teams. Bruce earned his Master’s degree in accountancy from Virginia Tech. He and his wife Beth raised their family in the Florence Overlook neighborhood of Alexandria, now residing in Maryland.
Robert Faherty is publisher emeritus at The Brookings Institution. For 29 years, he served as vice president/ director of the Brookings Institution Press. For the past many years, he has served as an adjunct professor. He is a former Board chair of United Community.
Ron Fitzsimmons is executive director of Alice's Kids. Ron worked for three Members of Congress and was the first male hired by the National Abortion Rights Action League, where he served as chief lobbyist. In the early 1990s, he founded the National Coalition of Abortion Providers and served as its executive director for 13 years. In 1994, Washingtonian named Ron one of the "Top 50 Lobbyists" in Washington, DC. He served on the staff of Supervisor Gerry Hyland for six years. In April 2016, he was named the "Mount Vernon Community Champion" by Supervisor Dan Storck.
Myong Jensen has a distinguished record of top-notch performance in the process engineering and information technology fields. She is a recognized leader and critical thinker, with over 30 years of experience in identifying and applying advanced technologies and business practices to help solve client problems. These innovative, ground-breaking solutions are applied today by the Department of Defense, Military Health Systems, federal and state government and commercial clients to enhance their overall effectiveness. Myong is currently the president and CEO of Information Technology Solutions and Consulting LLC (ITSC). She holds a Master's of Science in systems management. She received her Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in computer science and business.
Doug Kennett served as United Community Board chair. He retired from a distinguished career at Boeing in 2010, as vice president, communications, at Boeing A&M.
Charles “Charlie” King is an acknowledged authority on regulatory economics with more 40 years' experience in economic consulting in the transportation, utility, and telecommunications sectors. Charlie is a founder of the firm now known as Snavely King Majoros & Associates, Inc., where he serves as president emeritus. A graduate of Washington and Lee University with a BA in economics, he earned his MA in government economic policy from The George Washington University.
Elaine Kolish is a nationally recognized expert on food marketing to children issues and advertising and consumer-protection issues generally. She served as president of the United Community Board during 2013 and was a member of the Board for six years. She is the former vice president/director, Children's Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative (CFBAI), Council of Better Business Bureaus (BBB). For more than 8 years, she led CFBAI and established it as important voice in the national conversation about childhood obesity. Prior to joining BBB in 2006, Elaine was a partner at the national law firm now called Dentons, where she specialized in counseling national advertisers on advertising law compliance. From 1980 until 2005, she served as an attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, as a a member of the Senior Executive Service and head of the Division of Enforcement in the Bureau of Consumer Protection. She led numerous national advertising cases and rulemaking proceedings. She also oversaw the Bureau's regulatory review efforts, as well as a number of other key policy initiatives including the Class Action Fairness Monitoring Project and the Hispanic consumer-protection program. Elaine was an editor of the ABA’s Antitrust Section treatise on consumer protection law. She is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and graduated magna cum laude from Western New England College School of Law.
Adeline “Addy” Krizek co-founded Christian Relief Services Charities (CRSC) with her husband Gene in 1985. CRSC was founded on the belief that community partnerships are the best way to solve problems related to poverty, both here in the United States and around the world. The mission of Christian Relief Services is to work through partnerships and in collaboration with grassroots charitable groups, churches, and human service agencies, to connect the vast resources of America to help those in need in their own local communities and to enable people to help themselves. Earlier in her career, Addy worked for a Fairfax County Supervisor, then for the Red Cross as director of a new office which she opened in our community. Later, she served as United Community's director of development. She is a past president of the local Juvenile Diabetes Foundation chapter.
Maureen McGuire-Kuletz is director of The George Washington University Regional Rehabilitation Continuing Education Program as well as an associate professor of counseling in the Graduate School of Education. Maureen has served as president of The Friends of United Community and is a former co-chair of The Campagna Center Board of Directors.
Mary Ellen Mehler spent 45 years as teacher and school administrator in career and technical education areas. She worked in public high schools, community colleges, and Army Education Centers in various states and various roles. She retired from Arlington Public Schools as supervisor of the business, marketing, and computer science departments for the K-12 system. She served as GED chief examiner for Arlington Adult Education. Mary Ellen taught basic computer application classes at United Community's Workforce Development Center for many years. She also briefly taught ESL classes at Progreso. Mary Ellen holds a BAin economics and finance from Marymount College of Kansas and a Master's degree in adult education and human resource development from The George Washington University.
Andrew Reinsdorf served on the United Community Board from December 2013 to December 2016. He is a senior vice president at AT&T. Prior to joining DIRECTv in 2005 (which became AT&T), Andrew held senior government affairs positions with the National Association of Broadcasters. He earned his BA in politics from Ithaca College. He and his wife Meredith live in the Hollin Glen neighborhood of Alexandria. They are parishoners at St. Louis Catholic Church.
Martin Schaefermeir served on the Board from December 2015 to 2018. He is Of Counsel in the Washington DC office of DLA Piper, with more than 20 years of experience in a full spectrum of international trade matters. Martin practices international trade law, with a focus on import relief actions and litigation and on related import/export matters. He has served on the Board of Directors of Mansion House Club, Inc., and on the Duke Law Alumni Association. After receiving his first law degree from Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg, Germany, Martine earned a Masters of Law from Duke University School of Law. He and his wife Grace reside in the Mount Vernon neighborhood in Alexandria, where they are active members of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.
The Honorable Mark Sickles has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2004, representing the 43rd District in the Fairfax County suburbs of the Washington DC metro area. He is a former United Community Board president. Mark has been the Virginia House Minority Caucus chair since 2012. He has served on the House committees on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources, Commerce and Labor, Health, Welfare and Institutions and Privileges and Elections (2004-). Mark received a BS degree in Forest Management from Clemson University, a Master of Science in industrial management from Georgia Tech, and a second MS in technology and science policy. He is a fellow with the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia.
Diane Tollefson is a past president of The Friends of United Community. Currently semi-retired, she has raised three wonderful children, spent many years as a volunteer for the community through her children's schools, her church, and local organizations. She worked in the corporate sector as a human resource professional, and for nonprofit organizations with a special interest in start-up and early development. A native of South Dakota and graduate of the University of South Dakota, Diane long ago adopted Virginia as home and has lived in the Alexandria area of Fairfax County for more than 40 years. She and her husband Ron live in the Oakbrooke neighborhood in Alexandria.
