2020 Reston Association Board Election: Meet Kerri Bouie

Voting in the 2020 Reston Association Board of Directors election will run from March 2 through April 3. This is the last candidate profile. Featured here is Kerri Bouie, who is running against Robert Petrine for an At-Large seat with a three-year term.  

With the exception of minor formatting edits, the Q&A candidate 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 parents moved to their current home in Reston when I was 9 months old. I left to attend Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA and moved to the West Coast afterward for a couple of years. I came back to my hometown to pursue greater opportunities in my career and contribute to the community that offered me so much growing up.

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).

I realized that there is no representation of members in my age group or background. It is very important to me that there is a new perspective being taken into account at each turn. We do not want to get lost in the past or agendas and preferences that have already been defeated.

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

I am concerned about the perception of how development will change our community and the struggles that our members face with various review boards. We want to work to provide transparency for all of our members. Our green and open spaces are a key attraction to Reston and what separates our community from our neighbors and these features should be preserved and enhanced.

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

I hope to engage more members to actively participate in RA, giving a voice to and providing services for those in need. I want to work to advance and encourage multi-modal transportation methods including trails, bike paths and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. I would also work towards absolute proficiency by eliminating the duplication of services and enhance the DRB experience. Implementing a 10-year capital improvement program to manage RA assets would be key to these goals.

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

My professional experience is paramount to my goals; I have worked with Public Art Reston to develop Chalkfest, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Reston Community Center, Fairfax County Park Authority and been involved in other community projects. As a Director at DC-based Wingate Hughes Architects, I will use my experience managing successful commercial, residential and hospitality projects for the greater good of our community.

Photo via Reston Association