The Board of Governors is a nine-member body responsible for oversight of RCC. All residents of Small District 5, ages 18 or older, are eligible to run for appointment to the RCC Board of Governors.
The Preference Poll is a community event held annually to guide selection of members to serve on the Board of Governors. The Board establishes the overall policies for RCC and priorities for its programs and budget. Members also represent RCC at social, recreational, cultural and educational activities in Reston.
Each year, typically, candidates for three seats on the Board of Governors are subject to a community preference poll with voting by residents and businesses located in Small District 5 (largely Reston ZIP codes).
Statement of Candidacy Forms are available at RCC Hunters Woods and RCC Lake Anne, or online at www.restoncommunitycenter.com.
Key Dates for the 2023 Preference Poll:
Candidate Filing: August 1 – 15 (until 5:00 p.m.)
Photo/Orientation: August 15
Forum: September 5 at 6:30 p.m.
Voting: September 8 – September 29 (until 5:00 p.m.)
For additional information, contact Lorna Campbell-Clarke, RCC Director of Communications, at Lorna.Campbell-Clarke@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Paul Berry
STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY:
Question A: What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
I have enjoyed being part of many public service projects in Fairfax County and as an appointee under Governor Northam. In Fairfax, I led the decennial redistricting effort and the county-wide effort to remove the names of slaveholders from our magisterial districts. Both were fulfilling efforts to enrich the quality of civic life in the county. At the state level I served Governor Northam on the Virginia Latino Advisory Board. In this role I acted in an advisory capacity to the Governor making recommendations on policy and budget outcomes for Virginia’s Latino community.
Question B: How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
In my past roles I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside people of diverse backgrounds whose experiences spanned faiths, beliefs, and cultures. In order to fulfill my duties, it was incumbent upon me to lead these individuals to produce outcomes and stay task-oriented. I take my responsibility to serve everyone equally with seriousness, and with the public good mission in mind. I will bring that same sense of duty and service to the RCC Board.
I believe this mission is meant to evolve with the needs of all communities within Reston, and I look forward to serving in a way that expands opportunities for involvement and person-to-person connection building. As Reston changes, so should the ways that its families are served. I hope to bring innovative, collaborative ideas for programs and joy to Restonians of all backgrounds as part of the Board.
William Penniman
STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY:
Question A: What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
I am a member of the RCC Board of Governors. Over time, I have served as Secretary, Treasurer, and chair/co-chair of various committees.
I served on two Reston Comprehensive Plan Task Forces – one that just finished and one that ran from 2009-2014.
I have served on the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee since 2014 and previously served three years on the Hunter Mill Supervisor’s Budget Advisory Committee.
I have been very active in the Sierra Club’s Virginia Chapter for the past decade, serving on its ExCom and as Conservation Chair and Sustainability Chair.
I practiced law for nearly 40 years.
Question B: How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
I have shared Reston’s unique sense of community for two decades. I have also strongly supported RCC’s distinctive role in building community for the benefit of residents and businesses regardless of location.
My goals for another term would be to help RCC continue to
- serve community members of all ages and income levels with classes, concerts, summer camps, programs, swimming/exercise and meeting spaces;
- work closely with Reston’s schools and many community organizations, including RA, RTCA, Southgate, Cornerstones, and others to meet Reston’s changing needs;
- preserve important Reston traditions, such as the annual MLK celebration and Multicultural Festival; and
- implement a long-range vision to serve the needs and desires of Reston’s evolving population, while preserving near-term adaptability and a close eye on the budget.
My experience on RCC’s Board and other civic organizations will help RCC to serve the community while meeting challenges ahead.
Vicky Wingert
STATEMENT OF CANDIDACY:
Question A: What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
I have lived, worked and played in Reston since 1973 and have been active in a variety of community organizations. In my younger years I coached girl’s softball and basketball teams. For many years I worked for the Reston Association as Day Camp Director, Open Space Director and CEO. I have served as President of the Reston Historic Trust, founder of the Friends of Reston and on the Reston Association Board of Directors. Currently I serve on the Reston Community Center Board of Governors. I was named a Best of Reston awardee in 2000 and a Simon Fellow in 2017.
Question B: How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
During this period of unprecedented growth and change, we must remember the values that shaped this community; a welcoming home for all and a place where cultural and recreational opportunities are available for everyone. RCC’s mission is aligned with these values and must continue to be our focus. Now more than ever we must work collaboratively with all our community partners to leverage our collective strengths to maximize the use of all community resources. Equity in all aspects of our programming and resource allocation must remain a central goal. By working with our Opportunity Neighborhood partners, this goal is attainable. I understand that a primary role for the Board of Governors is the responsible use of tax dollars.
Prudent use of funds today must be coupled with a commitment to meet the demands of tomorrow. I have spent a lifetime engaged in recreational planning and bring that experience to RCC.
All statements are provided as written by the candidates.
RCC is required to have a Preference Poll annually regardless of how many candidates file to be considered. Please participate!
Preference Poll Press Releases
RESTON COMMUNITY CENTER 2023 PREFERENCE POLL
RESTON COMMUNITY CENTER 2023 PREFERENCE POLL Candidacy Registration Begins August 1 RESTON,...
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