Three Candidates Running for Three Seats on RCC Board

Three candidates — including two incumbents — will run for three seats open in the 2016 Reston Community Center Board of Governors Preference Poll.

The board members are voted on by the community, but then appointed to the three-year term by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Seeking new terms are Beverly Cosham and Michelle Moyer. Paul Thomas, a former Reston Association Board of Directors member, is also seeking a spot.

According to county rules, the Preference Poll must be conducted every year regardless of the number of candidates filing to run.

Voting begins on Sept. 9. Each property in Small District 5 (SD5) will receive a ballot in the mail.

Online voting is available via RCC’s website; the “VOTE” button will be on the homepage at the beginning of the Poll. Mail-in ballots must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29. Ballots may be dropped off in ballot boxes at either RCC facility no later than 5 p.m. on Sept. 30.

A Candidates Forum will be held on Thursday, September 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the CenterStage at RCC Hunters Woods.

The Board of Governors helps develop policy and provide financial oversight for RCC.

Meanwhile, keep reading to learn a little bit about each candidate from their candidate statement.

Beverly Cosham

What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?

My previous experiences that I will bring to the RCC Board are nine terms on the Lorton Arts Foundation, three terms on Fairfax Arts Council Advisory Board, one term each on the Lorton Land Re-use Committee and the Actors Center, and five terms on both the Reston Community Orchestra and the RCC Board of Governors. I am a founding member of the Reston Chorale and the Reston Community Players.

How would your leadership enhance RCC’s vision to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all and foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?

As an incumbent, I have experience with crafting a Strategic Plan and working with Board and staff to realize stated goals. I take great pride in the accomplishments made in programming and in forming partnerships that enable the RCC to better serve the needs of the growing and diverse community that is Reston. The Center is the heart of the community and strives to keep Bob Simon’s Principles as we continue to make this a welcoming place to live, work, and play.

Michelle Moyer

What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?

After serving my first term on the RCC Board I am eager to continue this role with a community-wide focus. During my 28 years in Reston, I have participated in a wide variety of community activities including Reston Masters Swim Team Secretary, PTA Treasurer, All Night Grad Party committee, Reston Swim Team Association manager and board member, Fellowship Square Corporate board member, cluster board, and an active member of Christ the Servant Lutheran Church.

How would your leadership enhance RCC’s vision to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all and foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?

I am committed to supporting RCC’s efforts to build community in Reston. I started a Human Resources consulting practice 25 years ago. My work requires analytical, communication, and creative problem solving skills coupled with the ability to work cooperatively with management teams and boards.

After serving on the RCC Board for the past three years I have a better understanding of the programs and our role within the community. I intend to support the current quality recreation, learning, arts, and cultural enrichment opportunities and continue to meet expanding needs, all within fiscal constraints.

I would like to apply my civic work and business consulting experience to solicit input, anticipate needs, support programs, and continue valuable partnerships with other like-minded community organizations. The RCC serves the entire Reston community which is rapidly growing and a mix of all ages and economic backgrounds. This is our strength and our challenge.

Paul Thomas

What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?

My wife and I both grew up in Reston, and are raising our kids (ages 11 and 15) here. In addition, my parents live in Reston, and I’m a former teacher and coach. Since 2008, I have served on three nonprofit boards, and one county task force:

• Reston Association Board of Directors: 4 years; VP for 2 years
• Reston Historic Trust Board of Directors: 2 years
• Reston Swim Team Association Board of Directors: 2 years; VP both years
• Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force (RMPSSTF): 2 years

How would your leadership enhance RCC’s vision to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all and foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?

My time on the RMPSSTF helped me understand many of the changes that are happening to our community. These changes provide challenges and opportunities for those who care about our remarkably diverse, inclusive community.

As the demographics and geography of Reston evolve, we need to continue to create spaces, events, and programs that are essential elements of Reston’s unique sense of place. Some people see RCC as a recreation center. Others see it as a fine and performing arts center. For others, it’s a provider of camps for kids or continuing education for adults.

To me, RCC is more than the sum of its parts; the Reston Community Center is an organization that helps define, serve, and unify our community. As a member of the Board of Governors, I will help RCC continue this critical mission.