RA Hires Director for Its New Capital Improvements Department

Reston Association has hired a new director to oversee its brand-new Capital Improvements Planning and Projects department.

Garrett Skinner comes to Reston Association from Atkins, a global design, engineering and project management firm with offices in Maryland and Virginia, where he served as a senior project manager and office leader. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban Geography from the University of Maryland as well as certifications in floodplain management and project management.

RA voted to create the new Capital Improvement Planning and Projects department in order to keep a closer eye on community projects and ensure they are completed on time and within budget, particularly after many members criticized the handling of the recent Lake House project.

Skinner will join RA’s nine-member senior management team and oversee three employees in the department. The three employees are current RA employees who have been moved to positions in the new department.

Skinner said his goals for the coming years include collaborating with the RA’s CEO and CFO to “streamline proposal solicitation and contract review methods to establish a more efficient and effective procurement process.”

RA said Skinner will also work to identify more opportunities to use sustainable building materials during repair, maintenance and renovation projects, and planning stream restoration projects.

Skinner will also be tasked with helping to improve the quality and optimize the use of existing facilities for residents.

CEO Cate Fulkerson said she looks forward to Skinner starting work, and that she thinks he will bring much-needed expertise to RA.

“Garrett brings to the association the required project planning and management skills that have been lacking in an organization responsible for managing a portfolio of community assets worth over $45 million,” Fulkerson said in a Friday statement. “He understands the importance of community engagement and, more importantly, the need to present thorough, clear and concise information on project status and expenses.”

Skinner will begin work on Monday.

Photo of Garrett Skinner courtesy of Reston Association

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