Title: President, Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce
Main focus of your job: Assist companies in Tysons with outreach, build connections and opportunities and coordinate events that showcase the region.
Years on the job: Since Jan. 15, but has worked 30 years in nonprofit sector.
Company: One full-time, two part-time employees, and a host of volunteers. HOst weekly/monthly networking events. This June, hosting first ever TEDxTysons.
Most memorable project: Founded the Cold War Museum in 1996, opened its doors in Gainesville, VA, in 2011, at the former Army communication base, Vint Hill Farms Station. Secured more than $4M worth of artifiacts, including a Soviet SA-2 missile, plus banners, flags and uniforms from the era.
Current project: Organizing the
Tysons Charity 5K and Fun Run on April 24. This year, in honor of April being Autism Awareness Month, the run will be dedicated toward research for autism.
Grew up: Sherman Oaks, CA, but visited family in Virginia every year.
Fondest childhood memory: When Rt. 50 was a two lane road and my grandmother lived out "in the country," past what is now Fair Oaks Mall. As a kid visiting during the summer, I would walk barefoot to the 7-11 with my dad to get Slurpees.
Current home: Great Falls during the week, Midlothian, VA, on weekends.
Schools: Bachelor's in philosophy from California State University, Los Angeles. Masters in public administration/nonprofit management from George Mason.
