BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RIF of NOVA's board members are former or current teachers and librarians, small-business owners, authors, parents, and grandparents. They bring a wide variety of experience to the job of getting books into the hands of children in Northern Virginia.
The Board of Directors and its Executive Committee meet five times a year: September, November, January, and March. An annual luncheon meeting is held in May or June to recognize board and community members who have made a significant difference in NOVA RIF's operations. (Note: All meetings during the pandemic have been held via Zoom.)
Please contact us if you're interested in becoming a volunteer board member. New ideas and creativity are so welcome, even if you can devote only a smidge of time! Click here to find our volunteer form.
The Board of Directors and its Executive Committee meet five times a year: September, November, January, and March. An annual luncheon meeting is held in May or June to recognize board and community members who have made a significant difference in NOVA RIF's operations. (Note: All meetings during the pandemic have been held via Zoom.)
Please contact us if you're interested in becoming a volunteer board member. New ideas and creativity are so welcome, even if you can devote only a smidge of time! Click here to find our volunteer form.
(l-r) Board members Chris Bury, Bradley Vineyard, Lisa Keathley, Nancy King, and Chris McLaughlin at an April 2022 Culmore Community Day Book Bash celebrating 50 years of books for NOVA kids
July 2022 Popsicles in the Park Book Bash with board members (l-r) Justina Johnson, Lisa Keathley, and Aisha Fallen. Young Ambassador Camille Fallon is shown in the pink T-shirt.
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(l-r) Board members Sari Warren, Sheryl Leeds, Nancy King, Justina Johnson, and Hazeline Harris staff the book table at a May 2022 Book Bash at Alexandria's John Adams School
Board members Liz Promen (l) and Sari Warren gave out books from our Book Donor Program at an October 2022 Book Bash at the Falls Church McLean Children's Center
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JUSTINA JOHNSON, President
JAMES ABRAMS, Vice President ELIZABETH PROMEN, Recording Secretary MELISSA HINKSON, Corresponding Secretary JO ANN ABRAMS, Treasurer SHERYL LEEDS, Financial Secretary MAUREEN MCLAUGHLIN, Sunshine Secretary |
BOOK ORDERING CHAIRS
Paula B. Powell Elaine Liebesman COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR Lisa Keathley FUTURE OF RIF; CONTRACTS CHAIR Nancy King GOLDEN GALA CHAIR Bradley Vineyard |
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AREA CHAIRS Alexandria Susan Stickles Arlington Sari Warren Fairfax East Chris Bury / Liz Promen Fairfax West Chris McLaughlin Prince William Sheila Adams Gardner |
AT-LARGE BOARD MEMBERS Jeuli Bartenstein Dora Sue Black Sarah Bohn Carylee Carrington Aisha Fallen Ann Godfrey Hazeline Harris Nadine James Sheila Jonas Gayle Kelley Jennifer Morrow Melba Smith-Dudley Lois Toomer Sari Warren |
Meet our Newest Board Members: Susan Stickles and Sarah Bohn
Susan Stickles in the Patrick Henry K-8 School library with one of her favorites, "Purplicious"
After a 34-year career in Alexandria City Public Schools, Susan Stickles has joined the NOVA RIF board. The Alexandria native, who went to ACPS schools from elementary through high school, attended Longwood College, earning a BS in Elementary Education. She later received a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from Virginia Tech. As an ACPS kindergarten and first grade teacher, she focused on teaching and developing a love of reading in her students. After leaving the classroom, she worked as a reading specialist and an administrator before becoming a technology integration specialist for 12 years, working with both teachers and students to make learning more interactive.
"Getting books into the hands of children, especially our youngest students, can change their lives," Susan says. She notes that, as a teacher, RIF days were always an exciting time for students. "They loved being able to take that book home with their name inside the front cover to add to their home library. I’d like to be instrumental in ensuring that our neediest students continue to receive books to create their own personal libraries at home and, at the same time, give them one more activity to help achieve a healthy balance between screen and screen-free time." Susan has taken on the position as Area Chair for Alexandria -- a perfect match due to her ties in Alexandria! |
Sarah Bohn with the NOVA RIF mascot Clifford (Noah Bohn) at the 2022 Golden Gala
When Sarah Bohn was asked to become part of a volunteer team to help stage a celebration in honor of NOVA RIF's 50th anniversary, she said yes. This media relations specialist went to work, bringing her business skills and her love of books to the table. She graduated from Loyola University with a double major in French and History and received a master’s degree in the science of marketing from The Johns Hopkins University.
In 2017, she started her own business -- French Press Printing -- customizing apparel and accessories in the basement of her Vienna home. Today, she has grown the business to include such national and local clients as Lululemon, Deloitte, and NBC4. As part of the Golden Gala, she designed and then donated custom tote bags for all Gala attendees. Sarah and Nicolas, her husband of 22 years, are raising two children, Sophie and Noah (AKA Clifford!). She has volunteered in their school classrooms, helped launch a school newspaper showcasing student artwork and writings, and was a weekly library assistant, helping kids choose just the right book. Sarah serves on the council at her church, loves to travel, and is continually on the hunt for the next book to read! And, lucky for RIF of NOVA, she has joined in as our newest board member! |
Other "Newish" Board Members: Aisha Fallen, Sari Warren, and Jennifer Morrow
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Aisha Fallen attended Mount Vernon High School and matriculated to the University of Virginia where she earned her B.S. from the Commerce School and J.D. from the Law School. With a schoolteacher for a mother, Aisha began her love of learning at an early age. Chief among her favorites were Nancy Drew mysteries, Beverly Clearly fiction, and anything written by Judy Blume.
Aisha works in the education field as a Senior Resolutions Counsel at United Educators, a Bethesda, MD-based risk retention group. Since 2016, she has been a member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. There, she conceived of and executed the chapter's inaugural Youth Cultural Book and Arts Festival, a day-long event featuring prominent and local children's authors and books. Aisha lives in Lorton, VA, with her husband, Joe, daughter, Camille, and son, Chase, with whom she loves to read aloud -- and laugh about -- such favorites as If You Ever Want to Bring An Alligator to School, Don't. Daughter Camille reported on RIF of NOVA's 2021 Book It For Books 5K for Scholastic Kids Press. Find that by clicking here. |
Sari Warren has been an avid reader and book lover her entire life. She turned that love into a 10-year career with Fairfax County Public Schools as an elementary school librarian. One of her favorite parts of the job was that she was able not only to teach but to develop relationships with every student in the school. She loved talking to students about books and matching readers with books that they loved!
A big believer in the idea of books being “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors”, she worked hard to diversify the library collection and to buy books that excited the students. In addition, she supported teachers, ran multiple student and staff book clubs, and hosted many author visits. Prior to becoming a librarian, Sari was a CPA, a consultant, a small business owner, and a mom raising her three (now almost) grown children. Sari is excited to join the board of RIF of NOVA so she can continue her involvement in providing great books to children. She loves children's books and is excited to be a part of an organization that feels as strongly as she does about the power of books for kids! In January 2023, she began serving as NOVA RIF Area Chair for Arlington. |
In July 2017, Jen Morrow opened Bards Alley Bookshop, an independent bookstore at 110 Church Street NW, Vienna, VA. After experiencing the wonder of her son learning to read, Jen knew she had to find a way to bring a bookstore to her community. Jen chose the name “Bards Alley” to represent a place "whose curated inventory showcases classics alongside new discoveries from both beloved and debut authors -- think Shakespeare meets Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley." Bards Alley’s mission is to promote literacy, engage with the community, support sustainability, and encourage localism.
Prior to opening Bards Alley, Jen spent 20 years working in the government contracting community. Her first position was with the Department of the Navy, and she later moved to the private sector. Jen and her husband Scott are raising two strong readers, Ethan and Tess, along with three cats who aspire to be bookstore pets someday. Jen was a vital part of the RIF of NOVA Golden Gala, securing the participation of Keynote Speaker David Baldacci, along with most Golden Gala Guest Authors. |
2021-2022 Reading is Fundamental of NOVA Board Awards
RIF of NOVA gives annual awards to those who have contributed in significant ways to the organization's operations and successes.
McNamara Award: The highest honor is the Margaret McNamara Award, named in honor of Reading is Fundamental's founder, Margaret McNamara. Learn more about her history here. This award is given to one individual or organization annually.
Jerry Shelton Award: The Jerry Shelton Award for Longevity of Service is given to a longtime board member who has been actively and continuously involved with NOVA RIF, serving in a variety of ways and continuing to advance the goals of the organization. This award is given to one board member annually.
Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Support of NOVA RIF: This award is made to individuals, groups, or organizations for outstanding support of NOVA RIF. The recognized support can be for a particular program, an event, or for some other activity supporting our mission. There is no limit on the number of Special Commendation Awards given in a specific year.
McNamara Award: The highest honor is the Margaret McNamara Award, named in honor of Reading is Fundamental's founder, Margaret McNamara. Learn more about her history here. This award is given to one individual or organization annually.
Jerry Shelton Award: The Jerry Shelton Award for Longevity of Service is given to a longtime board member who has been actively and continuously involved with NOVA RIF, serving in a variety of ways and continuing to advance the goals of the organization. This award is given to one board member annually.
Special Commendation Award for Outstanding Support of NOVA RIF: This award is made to individuals, groups, or organizations for outstanding support of NOVA RIF. The recognized support can be for a particular program, an event, or for some other activity supporting our mission. There is no limit on the number of Special Commendation Awards given in a specific year.
The 2021-2022 McNamara Award was given to the 54 original members who served on the RIF of NOVA board at the time of the organization's founding in 1972. Board member Jeuli Bartenstein accepted the award on behalf our founding members.
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The Jerry Shelton Award, named for longtime supporter Jerry Shelton, was given to board member and Fairfax West area chair Chris McLaughlin. She has served the board in many capacities -- as president, in a variety of committee chair roles, and as a dedicated supporter and inspiring leader.
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2021-2022 Special Commendation Awards were given to:
Jim Abrams, board Vice President and Donor Book program organizer Marcia Brugger, retiring Prince William County NOVA RIF liaison, Dumfries Elementary School Paxton Head, Donor Book program volunteer Glenna Orr, former board member and Alexandria area chair, special event organizer (John Adams Book it For Books; Alexandria Book Bash) Bradley Vineyard, board member, special event organizer (Book it For Books, Golden Gala) |
Marcia Brugger, retiring Prince William County NOVA RIF liaison, Dumfries Elementary School
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Remembering Board Member Emma Akens Williams
Emma Williams (r) and Melba Smith-Dudley (m) presented the 2019 Prince William County Area Award to NOVA RIF liaisons Cari Hammel (l) and Carrie Roop (not pictured) for their exceptional work to promote reading at Bel Air Elementary School
RIF of NOVA board member Emma Akens Williams passed away in late September 2021 after a courageous 19-year battle with breast cancer. Emma will be remembered so fondly by the NOVA RIF board not only because of her many years of service to our organization but also because of the kind and wonderful person she was. Here is just a sampling of comments from fellow board members:
“She always encouraged me. She brightened a room. So positive. She is a special angel now.” (Dora Sue Black) “Emma was a dedicated librarian and teacher who loved to open young minds to the joy of reading.” (Chris McLaughlin) |
“Emma fought breast cancer for 19 years, and for many of those years she served on the board of RIF of NOVA. Not once did I hear hear a single word of self-pity nor a single word of complaint. Rather, her words were directed at children, books and reading, and always, always about the children we served through (NOVA) RIF. Emma had the kindest, most gentle soul. I have missed her for a long time and now will miss her forever.” (Sheila Jonas)
"Oh sweet Emma! I will surely miss her. She was always kind to me." (Melissa Hinkson) From the time she was a young girl, Emma loved children and books. The daughter of a coal miner and homemaker, she knew she would become a teacher one day. After graduating high school as valedictorian of her class, she continued her education at William and Mary College, completing her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After moving to Northern Virginia in 1966, she started teaching at Fred M. Lynn School in Prince William County. After Emma and husband Ben had children, Emma stayed home with them to “jumpstart their education,” and furthered her own education at the same time. She completed her master’s degree in elementary education and later earned a master’s degree in library science. She served at several elementary schools in Prince William County, including Saunders, Kilby, and Neabsco, along with Woodbridge and Rippon middle schools. She concluded her 41 years in Prince William County Schools at River Oaks Elementary as the school’s first librarian when the building opened in 1990. In her retirement, Emma continued to be active in her educational society, Delta Kappa Gamma, Reading is Fundamental of Northern Virginia, PWCS Retired Teachers Association, Prince William Education Association (PWEA), and the Stafford Historical Society. In her lifetime of work, Emma Williams left a legacy with hundreds of children who grew to love reading because of her inspiration and guidance. |
EMERITUS COUNCIL
Rita Blodgett
Pam Jackson
Gloria Johnson
Audrey June
Mia Mason
Maxine McLeod Miller
Ruby Osia
Lynda Johnson Robb
Ramunda Young
Rita Blodgett
Pam Jackson
Gloria Johnson
Audrey June
Mia Mason
Maxine McLeod Miller
Ruby Osia
Lynda Johnson Robb
Ramunda Young
