2022 Reston Association Board Election: Meet Laurie Dodd

Voting in the 2022 Reston Association Board of Directors election will run from March 1 through April 1. This week, we will begin posting profiles on each of the candidates. The complete election schedule is available online. All races are uncontested, but a 10-percent quorum must be met.

Featured here is Laurie Dodd, who is running for North Point District Director. 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?

My husband and I have lived in Reston for 26 years, raising two children here. We were lucky enough to find a home that backs up to a Reston Association path, so we have the woods in our backyard. Having lived in Oakton previously, we admired Reston’s planned community, with its inclusive values and its amenities. I continue to feel lucky to be part of this community and want to maintain and improve it.

What inspired you to run for the board? (Note: If you are currently on the board or have held a previous position on the board, emphasize why you are running again). 

During my years in Reston, I have been deeply involved in the community, including board service for Reston Community Center, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Reston Swim Team Association, Reston Children’s Center, and my church. I have loved raising two children here. I have always been involved in community affairs, testifying at numerous meetings of RA, the Board of Supervisors, and the School Board. I ran for Hunter Mill Supervisor in 2019 on a pledge to preserve the open space and diversity of our area. I have been active in Reston Runners, Coalition for a Planned Reston, Rescue Reston, RA Community Gardens, and PTA. My commitment to a diverse, prosperous, and sustainable community motivates me to seek a seat on the Reston Association Board.

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

1. Environmental Sustainability. From protecting open space to maintaining and renovating our facilities efficiently, Reston Association must be mindful of our duty to protect the environment that makes our community life rich. All RA actions should promote sustainability and resiliency while working towards climate solutions.
2. Fiscal Responsibility. Smart money management requires effective use of resources to avoid ballooning assessments. I will work to understand and face our financial challenges. As our facilities age, we must spread the cost of capital improvements among all who will benefit.
3. Member Engagement. The RA Board must be committed to transparency and empowering our members. We must reach out to hear member concerns, and report on actions and choices to foster member participation.

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

I want to continue to see the inclusive values of Reston’s founder put into practice as we move forward. As the Reston Comprehensive Plan is revised, the commitment to open space must be maintained. Protecting the beauty of our environmental surroundings is a high priority. I also want to help Reston residents be more involved in Reston Association decisions and will work to gain input from homeowners associations, senior residents, old-timers and newcomers – communities of all types.

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

A child advocate attorney with my own practice, I have worked with families of all descriptions throughout the county. Through my community involvement with groups from Reston Runners to my church, from swim teams to PTAs, I have worked with other Reston residents to strengthen our community. My paid and unpaid work has cultivated skills of collaboration, mediating among parties with varying interests, and solving problems. I am eager to continue my service to Reston as a member of the RA Board.

Photo via Reston Association