Leadership Loudoun Youth
Class of 2011
Coordinator Biographies
Leadership Loudoun Youth Interns
Ben Baker, Senior, Loudoun Valley High School
Ben Baker is a senior at Loudoun Valley High School, where he is a member of the Student Council Association, the
National Honor Society and vice president of the Technology Students Association. He also serves on the Board of
Governors of Loudoun Youth Inc.’s Youth Advisory Council and volunteers with Friends of Loudoun Mental Health’s
Friends Helping Friends program, which organizes social activities for individuals with mental disabilities. This summer,
Ben presented Loudoun Valley High School at the American Legion Virginia Boys State and will serve as Student
Representative to the Loudoun County School Board during the 2011-2012 school year.
An Eagle Scout and avid environmentalist, Ben has served on the Town of Purcellville’s Committee on the Environment
for the past three years, playing a key role in organizing the Town’s annual Painting Purcellville Green sustainability
event. Ben also participated in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program and will attend its
Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center where he will collaborate with other students and researchers on a
potential mission to Mars.
Jesseca Hoff, Woodgrove High School Inaugural Class of 2012, Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010
Jesseca Hoff is a rising senior at Woodgrove high school and was a part of the leadership Loudoun youth inaugural class
last year. During the summer she works as a camp counselor at a youth summer camp. During the school year she
spends a lot of time volunteering. She serves as Community Service Chair of the Loudoun County Youth Advisory Council
and Service Chair of the Purcellville Teen Advisory Group. At school, Jesseca is a member of the Green Team and the
Mentors Club, mentoring students at Mountain View Elementary. At Loudoun Valley, she ran cross country for two
years.
Dane Mullins, Woodgrove High School – Inaugural Class of 2012, Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010
Dane Mullins is a native of western Loudoun. He attended Round Hill Elementary School, Blue Ridge Middle School,
Harmony Intermediate School, Loudoun Valley High School and is currently dual enrolled at Woodgrove High School and
Northern Virginia Community College. Dane is a member of and holds two national welding certifications with the
American Welding Society. He has received his industry recognized RBT Systems Copper Based and Fiber Optic Network
Cabling Certifications.
Dane is very active in school. He has competed for many years in Odyssey of the Mind, was a member of the Loudoun
Valley High School SCA and the freshman football team, a member of the Woodgrove High School transition team and
the creator, builder, financial supporter and driver of the Woodgrove’s mascot, Walter the Wolverine.
Dane is involved in his community. He has been a Loudoun Youth Soccer Association assistant coach for several seasons,
an active member for the past seven years and teaching assistant for four years for Loudoun Chapters National League
of Junior Cotillions. He was a member of the Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010. He also participated in
the 2011 Piedmont Community Foundation - Rust Student Philanthropy project and achieved his Grant Maker
Certificate. Dane also received a 2011 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Dane grew up on a farm and has a passion for tractors. He enjoys working with his hands. He is the owner and operator
of Dane’s Hometown Services since 2008. His company provides estate maintenance, landscaping and farm services,
excavation and clearing as well as welding services.
When Dane is not going to school, working or providing community service he can be found at the Glen Echo Spanish
Ballroom swing dancing, at a tractor pull or behind the wheel of his M35A2 Duece and a half.
Leadership Loudoun Youth Coordinators
Christina Druther, Program Coordinator
As co-program coordinator for Leadership Loudoun Youth, Christina Druther brings knowledge and insight gained from
over eleven years experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in youth development programming. Christina started
her career in nonprofit management in 2000. She spent seven years working for Communities In Schools (CIS), a
nationwide network dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth the basic, emotional and psychological resources they
need to succeed in school and in life. She worked in local and state CIS programs in Arizona and in 2005 progressed to a
position with the Research, Evaluation and Learning Management team at the CIS national office in Alexandria, VA.
In 2009, after moving to Leesburg, VA, Christina took on the role of executive director of Loudoun Youth Inc. In this role,
Christina had the opportunity to co-design and implement the first Leadership Loudoun Youth Class in 2010. In addition,
Christina managed the day-to-day operations of Loudoun Youth, assisted with fundraising efforts and managed other
youth programs. Christina served as executive director until January 2011.
Over the years, Christina’s roles in nonprofit organizations have included executive director, development director,
youth program director, communications coordinator, national trainer, curriculum developer, research and evaluation
manager, volunteer coordinator, event and meeting planner and volunteer.
Christina received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications Studies from Towson University in 2000. In
2003, she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Christina recently started a business. Established in January 2011, Tillowz is a familybased business manufacturing and selling travel-sized terry velour pillows ideal for the beach and pool, as well as day
care, sleepovers, planes, cars and camping.
Christina is a graduate of the Leadership Loudoun Class of 2010. She has been a Big Sister since 2003.
Carol A. Kost, President, Loudoun Youth Inc.
Carol Kost has served as Loudoun Youth Inc.’s (LY) Chairman and President since 2005. Founded in 2005, LY has provided
more than $560,000 in grants to local youth serving organizations.
Previously, Carol served as the Chair of the Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth, and is a former Chair of the
Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council for the State of Michigan. Earlier in her career, she was involved in the
launch of Saturn Corporation and also worked for the Governor of the State of Michigan.
In the course of 20 years of youth leadership development, Carol has used her strategic management and marketing
experience to positively influence the lives of thousands of youths on issues ranging from child abuse and neglect to
youth advocacy and leadership. Working with various state and local government agencies and commissions to build an
understanding of youth issues and challenges, Carol has enabled real change by forming lasting coalitions to affect the
youth of Loudoun County.
In 2004, Carol served as founder and Chair of the Loudoun Youth Initiative, formed to foster collaboration among the
various youth serving organizations in Loudoun County. In 2006, a George Mason University study stated that “…the
foundations, activities, services, and processes undertaken in Loudoun County are cutting edge and are among the best
youth-based approaches in the nation.”
Carol has also served as Chair, Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth from 2002 to 2006 and has been a
delegate or appointee to the Commission since 1999.
In addition to working on behalf of youth, Carol serves on the Board of Directors of the Loudoun County Chamber of
Commerce and Co-Founded the Loudoun Chamber’s Non Profit Initiative (NPI). The NPI was launched in 2008 to help
non-profit professionals build a strong network of relationships with their peers across Loudoun County. A major
emphasis of the NPI is to assist non-profit members in communicating their mission and value to Loudoun’s business
community.
Carol has BA from Michigan State University and is a certified 4th dan black belt and instructor of Tae Kwon Do.
Mike Morgan, Program Coordinator and Leadership Loudoun Board Member
Stay-at-home Dad and community volunteer with business & consulting background
Recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Adult Volunteer Leader Award from Volunteer Loudoun and the Loudoun County
Board of Supervisors
Leadership roles in the county and schools – currently:
•
Leadership Loudoun – Class of 2005, served on the Board of Directors since, including President FY08, FY09, &
FY10 and Vice President FY07 & FY11; please visit www.leadershiploudoun.org
•
Co-Founder, Leadership Loudoun Youth – partnership between Leadership Loudoun and Loudoun Youth, Inc.;
community leadership development program for high school students; inaugural Leadership Loudoun Youth Class of
2010 held in August 2010; LLY2011 will be held in July 2011; please visit www.leadershiploudounyouth.org
•
Horizon Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) (5th year) – President 2011-12, Senior Vice
President of Educational Programs 2010-11, Treasurer 2008-09 & 2009-10
•
Assistant Swim Coach, Dominion High School (5th year: 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, and planned for
2011-12) (50 student-athletes, 2 managers) (NOTE: LCPS paid position); Co-Chair, Dominion High School Varsity Club
•
Community Representative (Leadership Loudoun), Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY) (4th
year: 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12); Co-Chair, Career & Leadership Development Committee (Leadership
Loudoun Youth); Member, Step Up Loudoun Planning Committee – please visit www.stepuploudoun.org; (attended Step
Up in 2005, 2006, & 2007; not held in 2008 & 2009, back and NEW & IMPROVED – from idea through implementation –
as Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition in 2010-11 & 2011-12 – and beyond)
•
Advisor & Mentor, “Forward Turn”, the S. Murray Rust and Mary H.C. Rust Student Philanthropy Project (SPP), a
community outreach program of the Piedmont Community Foundation (PCF) (6th year: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09,
2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12); please visit www.forwardturn.org
•
Parent Volunteer, Horizon Elementary School (5th year: Kindergarten 2007-08, 1st grade 2008-09, Kindergarten
& 2nd grade 2009-10, 1st & 3rd grades 2010-11, 2nd & 4th grades 2011-12)
•
Classroom Aide, Religious Education / CCD, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church (3rd year: 2nd grade 2009-10, 3rd
grade 2010-11, 2nd grade 2011-12); VIRTUS trained classroom aide
•
Member, Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church
•
Co-Head Coach, Claude Moore Aquatics Club (CMAC) ‘HS Swim Prep’ (3rd year: 2009, 2010, 2011) – preseason
high school swim program @ Claude Moore Rec Center (CMRC) in the fall (NOTE: Loudoun County PRCS paid position)
•
Manager/Coach, Lower Loudoun Little League baseball (5th year, spring & fall; Manager of the Minor League
Champion Marlins fall 2010 and AA League Champion Rays spring 2011)
•
Assist with Trump National Lightning & Mini-Bolts summer swim team as a “Senior Coach” for 5 to 18 year olds
(5th year); swim clinics, Stroke & Turn Official, and Starter
•
Cub Scouts Pack 572 (4th year) – Den 9 Tiger Cubs 2008-09, Wolves 2009-10, Bears 2010-11, Webelos 2011-12;
Co-Den Leader Den 11 Tiger Cubs 2010-11, Wolves 2011-12
Formerly:
•
President, River Bank Woods Homeowners Association (HOA) (completed 2nd 3-year term in January 2010;
served since October 2003); please visit www.riverbankwoods.org
•
Treasurer, Village Green Day School at Lowes Island (preschool) Parent Advisory Council (PAC) (4 years – two 2year terms: 2005-06 & 2006-07 and 2007-08 & 2008-09)
•
Room Parent, Horizon Elementary School – Kindergarten 2007-08, 2nd grade 2009-10
Mike graduated from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA in 1987; graduated from the University of Virginia with a
B.S. in Commerce in 1991 and an M.S. in Management Information Systems in 1992 (NOTE: Virginia Swimming, 4 years,
1988-92, NCAA Division I, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC); ACC Champions in 1990); worked for Andersen Consulting /
Accenture in Communications & High Tech throughout the U.S. and internationally from 1992 to 2002, until 1st son was
born; stay-at-home Dad from 2002 to present; part-time consulting with Infinitive (founded in Loudoun County in 2003)
in 2003 and 2004, until 2nd son was born. Mike, his wife Jen, and their 2 sons – Ned (9, rising 4th grader) and Eric (7,
rising 2nd grader) – live in Potomac Falls.
Leadership Loudoun Youth
Class of 2011
Presenter Biographies
Monday, July 18
Walt Hogan, President, Symbiosis
Walt Hogan is a certified organization development (OD) consultant and executive coach with expertise in the areas of
leadership, management and human resource development (HRD), also organizational assessment and employee
surveys, team and staff development. Walt’s other professional expertise’s are in the areas of group facilitation,
customer service, mentoring, and diversity/inclusion training. For over 20 years Walt has provided a wide range of OD
and HRD interventions for both public and private enterprises.
Walt has worked in several managerial positions in both the State of Virginia and the County of Fairfax. In addition he
has held several senior management positions within Cable and Wireless, a multinational telecommunication company,
based in the United Kingdom. At Cable and Wireless (C&W) he led many human resource development, leadership, and
organizational development initiatives while managing the training and development function supporting over 5,000
employees.
Walt started Symbiosis, his coaching and consulting practice in May 2003. The focus of Symbiosis is to assist clients with
improving the bottom line by focusing on the client’s staff, management and leadership development needs. His
mission is to improve human performance in the workplace.
Walt is a proud graduate in Business Administration, from Strayer University, where he was a member of the 1991
Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges. Walt has a Master of Arts degree from Marymount University,
in the field of Human Resource Development. Walt studied at George Washington University and received accreditation
in the field of Executive Leadership Coaching. In addition, Walt is has been an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia
Community College.
Walt is a certified executive coach/trainer/facilitator/advocate in Organizational Development, Myers-Briggs’ Type
Indicator (MBTI), BarOn Emotional Intelligence 360, Conflict Dynamic 360, Ken Blanchard’s Performance Technology,
Personnel Decision International (PDI) and Savilles Holsworth (SH) 360° feedback, Strengths 360° Klein Group
Instrument, Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator and Reversal Theory. Walt is also certified in Achieve Global’s leadership
development, customer satisfaction and competency modeling programs. He is an active advocate and user of the GE
WorkOut Process and the Personal Profile System (DISC). Walt has received his Associated Certified Coach (ACC)
certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Walt is married with two sons. He is also very active in his community. He is a participating member of the American
Society for Training and Development (ASTD), The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), International
Coaching Federation (ICF) and a 1996 Leadership Loudoun graduate and current workshop facilitator. Walt enjoys fishing
and is an avid gardener.
Tuesday, July 19
Loudoun County Bus Tour
Jeremy Carter, Program Administrator, Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD) Program, Loudoun County
Jeremy is the program administrator for the agricultural and forestal districts program for the Department of Economic
Development in Loudoun County. In this position, Jeremy works with landowners and government agencies to protect
and promote agricultural and forestal lands in Loudoun County. In addition, Jeremy also provides support for Loudoun
County’s rural development efforts. Jeremy has a BA from Roanoke College, a Master of Arts in international commerce
from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Colorado State University.
Between the University of Kentucky and Colorado State University, he worked on the U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Agriculture.
Coco Lyons, Marketing Coordinator, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
Coco Lyons is the new Marketing Coordinator for the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development. She is
responsible for managing the advertising and marketing efforts of the rural economic team as well as support rural
economic development special events. Coco works closely with the local rural business community to help promote
their businesses as well as act as a resource for consumers to educate them on Loudoun’s vast rural resources.
Coco is a graduate of George Mason University’s Masters of Public Policy Program and prior to working with the DED
spent 6 years marketing in the real estate sector. During her time in the private sector, she worked closely with local
engineering and architectural firms, financial institutions and construction companies to develop multifamily apartment
communities in the region.
Coco and her husband are new residents of Loudoun County and enjoy spending all their free time with their new 5
month old son.
Loudoun Insurance Group
John Wolff, President, Loudoun Insurance Group & Senior Managing Director, Capital Fiduciary Advisors
John brings over 22 years of financial services experience to his role as President of Loudoun Insurance Group. He also
serves as Senior Managing Director of Capital Fiduciary Advisors. Previously, John was a Managing Director with Wealth
& Tax Advisory Services, where he advised on $2 billion of client assets. Prior to Wealth & Tax Advisory Services, John
spent 15 years with Prudential Financial and Securities, Inc. in Washington DC as a Managing Director and Financial
Advisor providing various client services, including wealth management, private and institutional investment consulting,
and retirement, insurance, and estate planning.
John is a graduate of the Business School at Shepherd University and holds advanced financial planning degrees from the
American College. He also holds the following designations:
•
Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
•
Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
•
Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
•
Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
John is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Investment Management Consultants Association
(IMCA), and the Social Investment Forum. He is a member of several local organizations, including being a Board of
Director for Loudoun Youth Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. He sits on
the Advisory Board for the Center for Excellence in Education and was the Board Chairman of the YMCA Loudoun County
for several years. John also contributes time and energy to environmental organizations such as the Nature
Conservancy, Potomac Conservancy, and Loudoun County’s agricultural initiatives.
John resides in Western Loudoun County with his wife Lisa, and daughters Madison, Hannah, and Emma.
Leadership Loudoun Class of 2011
Laurie Bickart, Tri 4 Women
1992 BS in Education - James Madison University
1993 Masters of Education - James Madison University
1993-1995 - Preschool Special Ed. Teacher Fairfax County, Virginia
1995-1998 - Preschool Special Ed. Teacher Marin County, California
1998 -1999 - Kindergarten Teacher - Hayward Unified School District, California
2003 - 2010 - Owner - 2's Club - 2 year old preschool program
2008- Present - Owner - Amaiza Fitness - fitness and triathlon training
2005- Present - Race Director, Founder Rivercrest Kids Triathlon
Class of 2011 Leadership Loudoun
AAAI/ISMA certified personal trainer
USA Triathlon certified coach
CrossFit Certified coach
CrossFit Kids certified coach
CrossFit Endurance certified coach
2008 Ironman Coeur d'Alene Finisher
Boston Marathon Qualifier
Mother of two
Dario A. Campolattaro, CEO, Kelly Insurance Agency/Summit Insurance Services
Dario Campolattaro is the Chief Executive Officer of Kelly Insurance Agency/Summit Insurance Services, LLC, a full service
commercial and personal insurance agency. Summit Insurance Services, LLC has offices in Moorefield, WV and Kelly
Insurance Agency in Leesburg, VA. Kelly Insurance Agency/Summit Insurance Services offer a wide range of personal,
commercial, life and health insurance and group insurance coverage and are affiliated with multiple insurance carriers
offering a wide range of policy options.
Dario has nearly 20 years of experience in the insurance industry in both the carrier and broker arenas. His broad range
of experience includes sales, sales leadership, operations and merger integration.
Prior to joining Summit Insurance Services, Dario worked with Northwestern Mutual to provide clients with professional
solutions and direction to managing employee benefits. He consulted his clients on group insurance, executive benefits,
and 401K. He also provides insight to personal financial planning, life and disability insurance, and long-term care.
Dario previously worked for 14 years in the health insurance industry with MAMSI Health Plans, and later
UnitedHealthcare. He began his career as an Account Executive in Baltimore with MAMSI Health Plans. Soon thereafter,
he assumed a management role for the Washington DC market. He was then promoted to take on the challenge of the
Northern Virginia market. In this capacity, he built a team of top talent and substantially grew MAMSI's market share in
the region. In 2004, MAMSI Health plans we acquired by UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health care companies in
the country. Dario soon earned a Vice President position to manage the entire Virginia, Washington, DC, and West
Virginia marketplace. Dario was closely involved in the integration process related to the acquisition.
Dario has a passion for community service and is a member of several organizations. He currently serves as the
President of the Greater Loudoun Chapter of Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), a member of the
Purcellville Business & Professional Association, a member of the 2011 class of Leadership Loudoun, and is closely
involved with the Loudoun County Chamber. He is also a member of Leesburg Rotary. Dario previously served on the
Board of Directors for The Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. He possesses a strong sense of community and
founded a business association – the Brambleton Business Network.
David Carson, Manager, Corporate Communications, Neustar, Inc.
David Carson is an employee and community communications professional with over 10 years of marketing and
communications experience for both internal and external audiences. Combined with a passion for community
leadership and a belief that work should be fun, he incorporates a blend of the formal/conversational and
entertainment/educational throughout all levels of a company. For the past several years, he has supported local
mentorship and community shelter organizations, including developing and driving his own program to meet the needs
of the community.
Tina Cote, CEO and Owner, Cote Consulting
Tina Cote is the CEO and owner of Cote Consulting LLC, an independent consulting firm which seeks to "Strengthening
Communities Through Philanthropy" by assisting non-profit organizations with strategic planning, capital campaigns and
fundraising. Tina is also a partner of Marathon Majic, which organizes and promotes endurance fitness events such as
marathons, half marathons and 5k races, including the Marathon of Trails held each October in Colorado Springs. In
addition, Tina is the VP of Marketing & Community Relations for her family's storefront It's Bazaar on 21st Street, a
unique artisan/antiquer mall in the historic district of Purcellville. Previously, Tina worked as the Director of
Development for the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and for a law firm as a litigation
consultant/expert witness. She has a B.S. in Commerce from the University of Virginia.
Doug Ward, Middleburg Bank
1990 Graduate University of Delaware
US Marine KC-130 Pilot from 1990-1997
Production Manager for Lord and Taylor 1997-2000
Atlantic Coast Airlines Operations Manager 200-2003
Middleburg Bank/Middleburg Mortgage 2003-present
Alumni Brother - Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity
Graduate Virginia Bankers Association School of Bank Management 2010
Dodona Manor
Keith Nusbaum, Program Director, The Student Partnership Exchange Program, The George C. Marshall International
Center at Dodona Manor
Keith Nusbaum now a Program Director with the George C. Marshall International Center, served as Assistant to the
Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors for over five years. He also served for thirty years as a marine
engineer in the United States Merchant Marine, retiring as Chief Engineer. Much of this career was spent overseas. He
learned firsthand the value of an “international outlook.” He has made has made three visits to Main-Taunus-Kreis and
developed a number of personal contacts within the MTK Government, economic development agencies and State of
Hessen School Administration.
Alisa Soderquist, Exchange Program Director, The Student Partnership Exchange Program, The George C. Marshall
International Center at Dodona Manor
Alisa Soderquist is committed to programs that give individuals the opportunity to live in and learn about different
cultures first hand. In her role as Interim Director of the GCMIC, Ms. Soderquist was involved early on in the partnership
between Loudoun County, Virginia and Main-Taunus-Kreis, Germany. She is Exchange Program Director for the Center,
has worked with the Student Partnership Exchange Program from its inception, and has accompanied all LC student
groups to MTK. Ms. Soderquist has been an educator most of her professional life. She twice had year-long grants to
teach in German high schools (Gymnasien) as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher and maintains friendships with her German
colleagues from those experiences. She is fluent in German and has extensive knowledge of American and German
education systems.
Wednesday, July 20
Government Panel
Susan Klimek Buckley, Democrat – Sugarland Run District, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Susan Klimek Buckley was elected to the Board of Supervisors representing the Sugarland Run District in November
2007. She currently serves as the Board of Supervisors’ Vice-Chairman and also serves on the Joint Board/School Board
Committee.
She currently represents Loudoun County on the Human Services Policy Committee of the Metropolitan Washington
Council of Governments (COG). She also represents the Board of Supervisors on Loudoun County’s Family Services
Board.
A native of Middletown, N.J., she earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration (finance) and a Juris Doctor
degree from the University of Texas at Austin. She practiced law as a litigation associate with the firm of Hunton &
Williams and she served as an Assistant County Attorney for Fairfax County from 1994 to 1998.
She and her husband Gene have two children, Collin and Evan. They live in Cascades.
Robert DuPree, Loudoun County School Board Member, Dulles District
Robert DuPree is in his ninth year representing the fast-growing Dulles District on the Loudoun County School Board.
The Dulles District, which contained less than 20,000 residents in 2000, has quadrupled in population to over 80,000
residents according to the 2010 U.S. Census.
Mr. DuPree was first appointed by a unanimous vote of the School Board in January 2003 from among eight candidates
to fill a vacancy on the board. Later that year, he was elected by the voters of the Dulles District for a full four-year
term, and was elected for another four-year term in 2007. He announced earlier in 2011 that he would not be a
candidate for re-election in November 2011, citing the time commitments required for the position and the conflicting
need to devote attention to his responsibilities to his employer.
Mr. DuPree was elected by his colleagues four consecutive years, from 2006 through 2009, to serve as Chairman of the
School Board. He announced in early 2009 that he would not seek a fifth term as Chairman in 2010. While Chairman, he
served as a member of the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission, and on the Loudoun County Public
Schools’ School-Business Partnership Executive Council. In his nine years on the School Board, he has served on every
School Board committee, and he chaired what is now the Finance & Facilities Committee for two years and is in his
seventh year of chairing the Discipline Hearing Committee.
From 1996 to 1999, Mr. DuPree also served on the Loudoun County Planning Commission, representing the Dulles
District. He was elected chairman of the Planning Commission by his colleagues in 1999.
Mr. DuPree grew up in Florida and is a graduate of the University of Virginia. He served for eight years on the legislative
staff of a senior Member of Congress, including five years as the Congressman’s Legislative Director. He subsequently
spent 16 years working in government and public relations for the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, and then
assisted in the establishment of a new trade association, the National Council of Textile Organizations. Transitioning
away from the daily grind of commuting to Washington, DC, Mr. DuPree worked briefly for a mortgage banking firm and
a non-profit educational foundation promoting public awareness of affordable housing issues throughout Northern
Virginia. In January 2008, he joined Telos Corporation of Ashburn as Manager of Government Affairs, where he remains
today.
Mr. DuPree and his wife, Heidi, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2010. They have lived in Loudoun County
for twenty-seven years, first in Sterling and then, since 1990, in Ashburn Farm, where they have been very active in local
community affairs. Their older two children, both of whom attended Loudoun County Public Schools for their K-12
education, graduated from Stone Bridge :High School and then respectively from George Mason University and Virginia
Tech. Their youngest child attends Eagle Ridge Middle School.
Delegate Thomas A. ‘Tag’ Greason, Virginia House of Representatives
Tag Greason has lived and worked in the 32nd District since 2003 with his wife, Mary Beth, and their three children. He
grew up the youngest of four children, in a military family. His father, a career Army Officer, taught him about integrity,
compassion, hard work, and perseverance.
Tag is a product of Northern Virginia Public Schools, graduating from Lake Braddock Secondary School in Fairfax County,
and believes strongly in the power of a good public education. From Lake Braddock, Tag went on to graduate from the
United States Military Academy at West Point and returned to Northern Virginia, settling in Ashburn after completing his
commitment to the United States Army. To date, serving as a 2nd Lt with the Corps of Engineers was one of his favorite
and most rewarding jobs. The soldiers in his unit re-enforced the importance of teamwork, loyalty, and respect. During
his early professional years, he received his MBA from George Mason University, graduating with honors, and he served
with distinction as an officer in the Virginia National Guard.
Tag is extremely active in his neighborhood, the District, and the County. Having three children keeps Tag and Mary
Beth busy, but he always finds time to coach one of their soccer or baseball teams, or volunteer at their school. He
served as the Vice-Chairman of Membership for the Goose Creek District of the Boy Scouts of America, and believes that
true leadership training starts at an early age. He sits on the executive council of the Loudoun School-Business
Partnership, and was honored to serve on the Washington Post Agnes Myer Teacher of the Year selection committee.
He is an active member of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and has served as a commissioner of the
Economic Development Commission (EDC).
Tag is a leader who knows how to promote pro-business policies that will encourage employers to expand and create
more jobs. With 17 years experience as a senior sales executive, marketer and financial analyst, he currently serves as
Executive Vice President for Quality Technology Services. He knows the positive effect of reducing taxes and
government spending, so that hard working Loudoun families can keep more of what they earn. Tag Greason is
committed to improving the economic climate here in Loudoun and knows it will take personal attention, smart policies,
proper incentives, and a will to make a difference.
Tag and Mary Beth have been married since 1993 and their three children attend, or will attend Loudoun County Public
Schools. Loudoun’s families deserve a strong business climate, lower taxes, a world class education, a comprehensive
transportation solution, and a principled leader.
Tag Greason has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since January 2010. He serves on the Finance,
Education and General Laws Committees, and will continue to represent our interests in Richmond to the best of his
ability.
Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator, Loudoun County
Mr. Hemstreet is currently the County Administrator for Loudoun County, Virginia. He has served in the position since
December 2009. As County Administrator, Mr. Hemstreet is appointed by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and
serves at the pleasure of the Board.
Hemstreet came to Loudoun County from the City of Miami Beach, Fla., where he had held management positions since
April 2001. He had served as Assistant City Manager and Assistant Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency
since March 2005. Before that, he was director of the Capital Projects Office.
His responsibilities as Assistant City Administrator for Miami Beach included overseeing the Departments of Public
Works, Planning, Capital Improvements, Economic Development, Public/Private Joint Ventures and the Redevelopment
Agency Construction. The City of Miami Beach has approximately 2,000 employees, an annual operating budget of $425
million, and a capital budget of $800 million.
To go beyond the titles, Mr. Hemstreet’s responsibilities included serving as the lead staff person for managing and
developing City owned-property, staff oversight of the City’s development and redevelopment policies and regulations
for private property, development and management of parking facilities, including both surface and structured parking,
and he also served as the lead person for the City’s many private/public joint ventures. Live Nation, Smith & Wollensky
Restaurants, and The New World Symphony are just a few of the private entities with which he has negotiated long term
agreements on City property. His responsibilities also included Economic Development, which focused on the
recruitment of new businesses, but also the retention and expansion of existing businesses through the streamlining of
administrative procedures and policies.
Before joining the City of Miami Beach, he held several management positions with the Cities of Tamarac and
Hollywood, Fla. He served as Assistant City Manager and Finance and Policy Officer for the City of Tamarac.
Hemstreet, who grew up in Northern Virginia, earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s
Degree in Public Administration from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. He and his wife Pam have two
young sons.
Chamber of Commerce
Grafton deButts, Membership Sales Manager
Grafton is a native of Hamilton, and graduate of Loudoun Valley and Hampden-Sydney College. He now lives in Leesburg
with his wife, Beth, and young son Brennan. So in 30 years, he’s made it 6 miles.
At the Chamber, Grafton overseas the membership department, and works to make sure that the Chamber’s 1150 are
making connections and growing through their membership. Currently the Chamber represents the smallest home
based businesses, and local nonprofits, to the largest corporations in Loudoun County, including AOL, Orbital, and
Neustar.
Grafton has been volunteering with local school systems since 1998 through Young Life, and looks forward to continuing
to work with local high school students through the Chamber, and LoudounYP, Loudoun’s young professional
networking initiative through the Chamber.
John B. Wood, President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer, Telos Corporation
John Wood is chairman and CEO for Telos Corporation. As CEO, he orchestrates the company’s efforts to secure the
vital assets of the world’s most demanding enterprises, including military, intelligence, and civilian agencies of the
federal government and NATO allies around the world. Telos solutions enhance customer’s ability to safely conduct
their global missions by securing communications, systems, networks, and access to critical facilities and information.
Wood joined the company in 1992 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, and in 1994 was named
president and chief executive officer. In March 2000, he was appointed to the newly created position of executive
chairman of the board, which he held until he became chairman of the board subsequent to a restructuring of the Board
of Directors in 2002. In January 2003, Wood resumed the positions of president and CEO. He has also served as CEO of
Enterworks, an affiliated company, from January 1996 to August 2005, and as chairman from January 1996 until present.
Prior to joining the company, Wood worked on Wall Street for Dean Witter Reynolds, UBS Securities and his own
boutique investment bank. He earned a B.S. in business administration in finance and computer science from
Georgetown University.
He was appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to the National Forest Foundation, and serves as treasurer and
member of the board of directors for Project Rebirth, a non-profit organization that is documenting the strength of the
human spirit in coping with the aftermath of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center. A time-lapsed film of the
rebuilding of Ground Zero frames the year-by-year development of the lives of nine 9/11 survivors. Project Rebirth is
the only living record of the minute-by-minute development of the site, and will be a component of the WTC Memorial
Museum and archived in the Library of Congress. The proceeds of the film will be reinvested in the Project Rebirth
Center, which will help meet an urgent need for improved care and support for victims of and first responders to future
disasters of all kinds, man-made or natural.
Wood is also an active member of the business community, championing the concept of civic entrepreneurship. He is
the founding chairman of the Loudoun County CEO Cabinet, a membership organization composed of a select group of
CEOs, presidents, board chairs/vice-chairs from Loudoun County, Virginia’s top corporate and entrepreneurial firms and
non-profit/government institutions. He also serves as chairman of Loudoun County’s Economic Development
Commission.
Virginia Commerce Bank
Leah Day, Vice President, Virginia Commerce Bank
Leah is the founding manager of the Leesburg branch of Virginia Commerce Bank. With over 30 years of banking
experience, Leah has worked in various sales management positions for a number of community and regional banks.
Leah is also a very talent artist who has a work studio in Purcellville. Leah commits free time to supporting community
efforts. She is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Ashburn, has previously volunteered with local fire and rescue
squads, and served as a board member for the Loudoun Arts Council. Leah lives in Front Royal with Georgia the
wonderdog.
Charles Kapur, Vice-President, Virginia Commerce Bank
Charles is a Business Development Officer for Virginia Commerce Bank. He is responsible for overseeing the sales
growth of four branches within Loudoun County and the City of Reston. Charles is lifelong resident of Northern Virginia
who has been working in the retail banking industry for over 10 years. Charles is currently a member of the Rotary Club
of Ashburn, the Knights of Columbus and is a board member of the Greater Reston Arts Center. He enjoys cooking,
playing golf and working with the different civic groups that he is a part of. Charles lives in Nokesville with his wife and
two children.
Public Speaking Session
Kristin Garrett, Loudoun County Youth Advisory Council Coordinator
Kristin Garrett is the coordinator of the Youth Advisory Council for Loudoun County. She works with student
representatives from Loudoun high schools to plans special events, work on community service projects and promote
events and activities for teens. Kristin is also the Coordinator of YouthFest.
Previously, she worked as a Public Information Officer in Coral Springs, Florida. She was the city spokesperson, produced
videos for the city and published newsletters for residents and employees.
Kristin was the evening news anchor for WHNT-TV in Huntsville, Alabama where the Associated Press named the
newscast best in the state. Prior to that, she anchored the evening news in Savannah, Georgia at WJCL-TV. She has done
extensive live reporting covering breaking news and special events.
Kristin is a graduate of the University of Redlands with degrees in Communications with a broadcasting emphasis and
Political Science. She was awarded a scholarship for speech and debate.
Kristin has lived in Loudoun County for 16 years with her husband and six children. She is actively involved in her
children’s schools and community events.
Thursday, July 21
Prototype Productions Inc.
Bryan R. Ramos, Director of Leadership and Innovation
"Effective leadership begins with understanding yourself."
Bryan R. Ramos first joined PPI as an architectural technologies developer. Through continuous education and
professional growth, his passion and talent for development have expanded to include organizations and people. Since
assuming the position of Director of Leadership and Innovation it has been his vital and challenging responsibility to
drive the alignment of PPI’s strategic aspirations and tangible processes with its core purpose and values. To do this, Mr.
Ramos has come to understand the company’s essence to a deep, intrinsic level. This has allowed him to create and
implement innovative and people focused practices that nurture and promote PPI’s culture of teamwork, innovation and
excellence.
Equipped with an Executive Master’s in Leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Mr.
Ramos has researched and internalized the art and science behind value-based leadership and the difference between
good organizations and great organizations. In addition, Mr. Ramos holds both a Bachelor’s of Science and Master's in
Architecture from The Catholic University of America. His leadership knowledge and innovative technical talents have
only strengthened his commitment to serving others while advancing PPI’s core purpose and values.
Lunch at NOVA Medical Group
Amy Johnson, RD, CDE, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetic Educator, Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center
Amy Johnson is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
from James Madison University in 1992, graduating Magna Cum Laude. The following year, Amy completed her dietetics
internship at Brigham & Women's Hospital, teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School, in Boston, MA. She also
received specialized diabetes training from The Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston and The International Diabetes Center
in Minneapolis, MN.
Over the past 14 years, Amy has worked as an in-hospital dietitian, a media dietitian, and a home care specialist. In
2003, she received her certification as a diabetes educator. Before joining Nova Medical Group, Amy worked as a
diabetes educator for the Inova Fair Oaks Diabetes Center. She is a member of the American Dietetic Association.
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY - Amy believes in teaching others to help themselves. With some guidance and tools, patients
are very capable of making a lifetime of healthy food choices.
Melanie Schmidt, Public Relations Director, Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center, Inc.
Melanie Schmidt is the Public Relations Director for Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center, Inc. Prior to joining Nova, she
worked for Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations (NJFPR), a boutique travel and hospitality public relations agency in New
York, NY. For two years, she represented a number of clients including the St. Lucia Tourist Board, The Liberty Hotel in
Boston, MA, The Pod Hotel in New York, NY, and Starwood’s Element Hotels brand. In 2009, she led and executed a
public relations campaign for The Pod Hotel which received a prestigious Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales and
Marketing Association International (HSMAI). While at NJFPR, Melanie’s clients enjoyed media coverage in top-tier
outlets including USA TODAY, The New York Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Good Morning America,
and The Today Show, to name a few.
In December 2009, Melanie relocated to Northern Virginia and began her career at Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center,
Inc. In 2010, she was nominated as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” business professionals in Loudoun County and
recognized by Loudoun Business. Some of her daily responsibilities at Nova include overseeing the company’s media
and community relations, managing the company’s social media accounts, writing the copy for all printed marketing
materials and the monthly eNewsletter, updating the company’s Web sites, and planning special community events.
Melanie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations/Advertising from the Pennsylvania State University, with minors
in Business, Spanish, and International Studies. While at Penn State, she was also actively involved in the promotion of
both the annual homecoming celebration and THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in the world.
EMR Presentation
Hassan Ahmed, Clinical Assistant, Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center
Hassan Ahmed is a clinical assistant for Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center, Inc. He graduated from Dominion High
School in 2007 and continued his education at Virginia Commonwealth University. Here, he studied chemistry with a
concentration in pre-medicine.
In the summer of 2008, Hassan joined Nova Medical Group. His main day-to-day tasks include updating the company’s
Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system and training providers and other Nova employees how to properly use the
system. From his work at Nova Medical Group, he recently decided to switch majors to Computer Science. Hassan will
attend Northern Virginia Community College in the fall and plans to then transfer to George Mason University in the
spring. His graduation date is to be determined.
Megan Ellis, Clinical Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to the Medical Director & CEO, Nova Medical &
Urgent Care Center
Megan Ellis is the Clinical Operations Manager and Executive Assistant to the Medical Director & CEO at Nova Medical &
Urgent Care Center, Inc. She grew up in Frederick, MD and attended East Carolina University on a sports scholarship.
Here, she double majored in Chemistry and Hospitality Management with a Business Administrative Minor.
Following graduation, Megan worked for her family’s business, Arbor Landscapers, where she oversaw the company’s
day-to-day operations. In 2008, she decided to go back to school to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and joined
Nova Medical Group as Dr. Grace Keenan’s executive assistant.
After working at Nova for a couple of months, she began working with the IT department on the Electronic Medical
Records (EMR) implementation project. Megan attended a training course in Chicago and has assisted in bringing the
company live on Order and Charge interfaces. She is currently working on implementing the newest version of Allscripts
for meaningful use. Megan is also presently building and creating interfaces with Nova’s radiology outpatient centers
and the Virginia Department of Health of Immunization Verifications.
Grace L. Keenan, MD, Medical Director and CEO, Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Board Certified in Integrative
Holistic Medicine, Nova Medical & Urgent Care Center
Dr. Grace Keenan was born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada and received her medical degree from Memorial
University School of Medicine in 1985. Upon successful completion of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at St.
Thomas Hospital Center in Akron, OH, Dr. Keenan relocated to Sterling, VA and began private practice in 1988. The
previous sole proprietorship became Nova Medical Group, and moved from Countryside to its current Sterling location
in 1991.
Dr. Keenan has been certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 1988, and recently received her
certification from the Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine in 2009. She is also board certified in Anti-Aging
Medicine by A4M.
Dr. Keenan is actively involved with the local community; she is a Clinical Assistant Professor for Georgetown
University’s Department of Medicine, an Affiliate Faculty at George Mason University, a Certified Medical Examiner for
the FAA, and serves on the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. In addition, she is the former
president of the Loudoun County Medical Society, past medical examiner for Loudoun County, and was an Assistant
Professor at the University of Virginia Medical School.
Dr. Keenan’s professional memberships include: the Loudoun County Medical Society, American Association of Medical
Review Officers, American Professional Practice Association, Medical Society of Virginia, American College of Physicians,
American Medical Association, and Medical Group Management Association (MGMA).
PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY - Dr. Keenan enlists her patients in the process of diagnosis and treatment by careful listening
and taking the time to educate and explain how to achieve maximum wellness while integrating the best of conventional
and complementary medicine.
Keep Loudoun Beautiful
Mark Lenko, President, Semper Technology, Inc.
Mark Lenko has been in the information technology industry for over 20 years, specializing in helping organizations
better leverage technology so they can achieve maximum effectiveness. Since 1998, Semper Technology’s primary focus
has been providing innovative technology solutions to non-profit organizations, which benefits not only the
organization, but also the constituency that they serve.
Mark moved from southeastern Pennsylvania to Loudoun County with his wife, Marie, in 1985. He is an active member
of the community, participating in the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, the Cascades Green Team, and Keep
Loudoun Beautiful, where he serves on the Board of Directors as Vice President. Mark and Marie also build houses and
dreams for struggling families by volunteering with Loudoun Habitat for Humanity.
Mark enjoys outdoor activities like mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and aviating. It was through these activities that
his concerns for the environment deepened along with the resolve to help fellow citizens adopt reasonable solutions to
reduce our collective environmental impact. Leveraging years of experience, Semper Technology, Inc. launched Shared
Planet Solutions in June, 2011, providing products and services to make it easy and affordable for people to make ecofriendly choices, reversing the alarming trend of generating mountains of waste that could easily be avoided.
He looks forward to working with the Leadership Loudoun Youth class of 2011, with the goal of inspiring these leaders of
tomorrow to make a difference every day.
Friday, July 22
Give Back and Pay It Forward Panel
Tanya Bittenbender, Executive Director, Loudoun Literacy Council
Tanya Bittenbender is the Executive Director of the Loudoun Literacy Council. She initially came to LLC as a volunteer in
October 2009 and became a staff member in February 2010. She has over 12 years experience in community relations,
volunteerism, event management, and program management within the nonprofit sector. She has designed and
instituted volunteer programs from the ground up to support the activities of several organizations. Tanya has worked
for VolunteerFairfax, USO of Metropolitan Washington, The George Washington University, and the Barns of Rose Hill.
Prior to joining the staff, Tanya wrote magazine articles, blogs, and Web content as a freelance writer. She has a degree
from Radford University and is a graduate of the Leadership Loudoun Class of 2011.
Karen D. Krei, Executive Director, Piedmont Community Foundation
Karen joined the Piedmont Community Foundation with experience in leading the successful growth of a Foundation in
Spokane, Washington, formed to support the operation of the Spokane Guilds’ School and Neuromuscular Center for
children with disabilities, ages birth to three. She worked with two boards ( directors and trustees) as well as being on
the 5 member executive management team for the school. The SGS had been around for almost 40 years but the
community at large was minimally aware of the powerful organization. During her 8 year tenure the organization
moved to center stage on the national scene and developed a first rate marketing and development team using
collaboration and community partnerships to ensure “the Guilds’ School” became a household word and a well
supported organization. Her strategy for endowment growth included funds in house and in the regional community
foundation, plus adding a planned giving program.
Prior to her work in the charitable sector Ms. Krei worked nine years in the wholesale industry as a regional executive
for development of sales for Clinique Labs, Inc. in the northwest. Prior to that time she was a merchandising director,
buyer and regional soft-lines manager for the Oshman’s Sporting Goods stores in California. Her career as a senior
buyer in previous employment spanned the domestic and overseas markets in Europe and Asia. She holds a B.A. from
Humboldt State University in California, and has further training in planned giving and philanthropic development.
As Executive Director of the Piedmont Community Foundation, Ms. Krei has reached into the Loudoun and Fauquier
communities to initiate the PCF youth philanthropy grant-making program. She served on the board of directors for
Leadership Loudoun and Loudoun Volunteer Services and is a charter member of the Non-Profit Initiative created at the
Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.
Kristi Stilen-Lare, President & CEO, Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing & President, Leadership Loudoun
Kristi Stilen-Lare is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Communications. She attended Radford University for
her Masters Degree in Corporate Communication and it was there that her interest in Nonprofit Management began.
While at Radford she interned at the Governmental Nonprofit Assistance Center and after graduation she worked as a
grant writer and consultant to nonprofits in southwestern Virginia.
After assisting the 2-1-1 VA center in Roanoke with capacity building and accreditation practices, she was hired as the
Statewide Coordinator for 2-1-1 VA. Kristi worked with the Statewide Information & Referral System to promote, and
implement the three digit dialing code in Virginia. 2-1-1 launched statewide in February 2006 with Governor Tim Kaine
placing the first call.
In May of 2006, Kristi began working at Loudoun Cares in Leesburg, Virginia. While there she was promoted to Director
of Programs and worked on grant writing, program development and building local nonprofit infrastructure.
Kristi serves on the Board of Directors of the Loudoun Human Services Network, the Virginia Alliance of Information &
Referral Systems and Leadership Loudoun. She is a Leadership Loudoun Class of 2007 graduate. More recently, she
became a member of the National Association of Speech & Hearing Centers. She is excited to begin a new career at Blue
Ridge Speech & Hearing Center and to enhance her knowledge of the medical nonprofit world. An added bonus has
been getting to know the doctors and clinicians at Blue Ridge and seeing how they impact the lives of Loudoun residents
everyday.
Kristi and her husband Skip moved to Frederick, Maryland in 2006 and began renovations on their log cabin home built
circa 1940.
Senator Mark Herring
Senator Mark Herring, Virginia State Senate, District 33
Mark Herring is widely recognized as a civic and political leader in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. He is respected by his
colleagues for his ability to work in a bipartisan, pragmatic way to find solutions to issues facing our area and the
Commonwealth.
Mark has lived most of his life in Loudoun County, Virginia. After graduating with honors from the University of
Richmond School of Law, he established a successful law practice in Leesburg. In 1999, he was elected to the Loudoun
County Board of Supervisors, representing the Leesburg District. As a member of the Board, he served as Chairman of
the Land Use Committee and helped launch a serious public policy review aimed at managing growth in the County. He
developed a reputation as a proponent of smart growth and a record as a strong advocate for economic development
and road improvements that create jobs and transportation solutions for citizens while discouraging the type of overdevelopment that puts stress on our schools and roads, and increases the cost of governmental services.
In 2006, Mark was elected to the State Senate. During his tenure in the Senate, he has worked to bring technologybased economic development to the Northern Virginia region, secured transportation funding for needed overpasses
and other local road projects, and has been a leader in making both state and local governments more accountable to
the citizens of Virginia. He serves on the Senate General Laws and Technology, Local Government, Commerce and Labor,
and Rehabilitation and Social Services Committees.
As a community leader, Mark is a recent past chair for the United Way campaign in Loudoun County and formerly a cohost of the local cable public affairs television show, Focus Loudoun. Mark is a member of the Loudoun County Chamber
of Commerce, Leesburg Kiwanis Club, Keep Loudoun Beautiful, Loudoun County Bar Association, NAACP – Loudoun
Chapter, Olive Branch Lodge #114 and Alexandria Scottish Rite.
Mark and his wife, Laura, have been married for 20 years. They have two children, Peyton and Tim, ages 17 and 13. They
are members of the Leesburg Presbyterian Church.
In addition to his law degree, Mark holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia in economics
and foreign affairs.
The National Conference Center
Kurt J. Krause, General Manager, The National Conference Center
Kurt’s current duties revolve around managing a 110 acre, 917 guest room conference center. The National Conference
Center is arguably the most unique and arguably the largest conference center in the country. Situated in the one of the
major commercial corridors in the Greater Washington, D. C. area The National Conference Center features state of the
art technology, modern training labs, 32,000 square foot Sports Center, four tennis courts and a 25 meter pool, and food
and beverage facilities. In February 2008 The Conference Center added a 16,500 square foot ballroom and adjacent
parking lot. In total over 1,000,000 of useable square feet that make the National Conference Center the educated
choice for learning. NCC has recently been recognized for its many environmental practices as Loudoun County’s Green
Business of the year (2010) and for its community outreach efforts with the 2009 Loudoun School/Business partnership
award.
From 2003 to 2006, Kurt was the Vice President of Business Affairs at Virginia Tech. His duties and responsibilities
included Facilities, Personnel, VT Police Department, Department of Environmental Health and Safety Services, Office of
the University Architect, and Real Estate Management.
Prior to joining Virginia Tech in October 2003, Kurt served our Country as a “loaned executive” for the Transportation
Security Administration. As a founding member of the largest start-up of any private or public organization he was
specifically responsible for many of the consumer oriented deliverables. The success of these programs provided Kurt
the opportunity to create and staff the Office of Consumer Advocacy and Initiatives within the Administration which is
today a very active and consumer oriented department. The primary functions for this office are Market Relations,
Customer Focus and Analysis, Passenger Claims, Policy issues for passengers with disabilities, and Passenger Education
programs. For his effort in the participation of founding the agency in addition to the consumer element, he was
recognized with the Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medal by Secretary Norman Minetta in 2002.
Prior to TSA, Kurt spent twenty-two years with Marriott International, where his background includes various
assignments in the sales and marketing discipline, followed by operational assignments in Florida and Virginia. His last
position with Marriott was Vice President of Brand Strategy for Renaissance Hotels Brand Team. However his most
enjoyable position was General Manager at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia.
Kurt a very proud graduate of Virginia Tech (1980) believing in the university’s motto of Ut Prosim by serving on a
number of community boards, task forces, and advisory councils. He is 1st Vice Chair for the Loudoun Chamber of
Commerce, Marketing and Business Retention Committee Chair for the Loudoun Economic Development Commission,
member of Loudoun County’s CEO Cabinet, and Secretary for the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance.