2018 Reston Association Board Election: Meet Derrick Watkins

Voting in the 2018 Reston Association Board of Directors election will run from March 5 through April 2. This week, we will continue posting profiles on each of the candidates.

Featured here is Derrick Watkins, who is facing six other candidates for two at-large seats for a three-year term. The profiles are in a Q-and-A format. With the exception of minor formatting edits, profiles are published in unedited form. Each candidate had an opportunity to answer the same questions in their own words. 

How long have you lived in Reston? What brought you here?

I came to Reston four year ago looking for opportunity in the aviation industry as an Aircraft Mechanic.  With its location next to IAD and DCA, Reston was a prime location.  I love Reston and its close proximity to Washington, D.C., which will help support my future aspirations in government.

What inspired you to run for the board?

Running for the board of directors is a unique opportunity to get involved in government.  In America, anyone should have the opportunity to be involved in community government.  Reston has helped me to succeed personally and being on the board would allow me to help Reston continue to prosper and also fix a few snags along the way.

What are three of the biggest concerns you have for Reston?

1. Letting development happen at the expense of experience.

2. Letting development destroy green spaces.

3. Residents not being engaged with the community and RA governance.

What do you hope to accomplish by being on the board?

1. Engage the community.

2. Alleviate congestion before more development happens.

3. Engage the community some more.  Community pressure is how things get done.

How will your personal or professional experience help you in your role with RA?

I started my career as an Aircraft Mechanic early in life and now work in the highly intensive and demanding airline industry.  Every day I exercise the highest levels of ethics and integrity in my trade.  Hard work and the desire to finish a job often leads me to staying many hours after I should have been home.  Ethics and genuine hard work is what the Reston Association needs to completely serve its purpose in the community.

Click here to view video statements or read candidate statements submitted to RA. 

Photo by Reston Association