Board of Directors

Dedicated leaders volunteering their expertise to guide SPARC's mission and ensure sustainable growth

Leadership That Makes a Difference

Our Board of Directors brings together experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds who share a common passion: creating opportunities for adults with severe and multiple disabilities to thrive in their communities. Their guidance, expertise, and dedication help ensure SPARC continues to grow and serve Northern Virginia effectively.

Executive Committee

Ellen Dyke
Chair

Ellen Dyke

 

Term: 2027

Hannah Irsfeld
Vice Chair

Hannah Irsfeld, Esq.

General Counsel, NOVA Foundation

Governance Chair · Term: 2026

Ed Herbst
Treasurer

Ed Herbst, CPA, CFF, CFE

Bison Forensics

Finance Chair · Term: 2027

Dr. Courtney Gaskins
Secretary

Dr. Courtney Gaskins

AdvocacyEd

Term: 2027

Board Members

Hon. John Foust

Hon. John Foust, Esq.

Foust Law, PLLC

Development Chair

Term: 2028

Shawn Flaherty

Shawn Flaherty

President, Creative Strategies PR

Communications Chair

Term: 2028

JoAnne Adams

JoAnne Adams

Coldwell Banker

Events Co-Chair

Term: 2027

Dave Adams

Dave Adams

Coldwell Banker

Events Co-Chair

Term: 2028

Nainoksha Kaushal

Nainoksha Kaushal

Financial Advisor, Edward Jones

Finance & Development

Term: 2028

Alicia Liddle

Alicia Liddle

Community Relations, NWFCU

Development

Term: 2028

Gaston Araoz Riveros

Gaston Araoz Riveros

External Affairs, Dominion Energy

Development

Term: 2026

Will Schermerhorn

Will Schermerhorn

Owner, Blueberry Shoes Productions

Communications

Term: 2027

Katherine Montgomery

Katherine Montgomery

Legacy and Leadership Officer

Events

Term: 2027

Mary Burger

Mary Burger

Sr. Office Administrator, Juniper Networks

Events

Term: 2026

Shelia Grant

Shelia Grant

Director, Fairfax County Sheriff's Office

Events

Term: 2026

Nancy Lu

Nancy Lu

Project Manager, Graphex

Communications

Term: 2026

Lisa J. Williams

Lisa J. Williams

TLJN LLC

Development

Term: 2027

Board Committees

Governance

Ensures board effectiveness, compliance, and adherence to nonprofit best practices.

Finance

Oversees financial stewardship, budgeting, and fiscal accountability.

Development

Drives fundraising initiatives and cultivates donor relationships.

Events

Plans and executes signature events including An Evening to SPARCle.

Interested in Board Service?

SPARC welcomes dedicated individuals passionate about our mission. Board members bring diverse skills in finance, law, communications, events, and community advocacy.

Board Portal

Access the board calendar, meeting materials, and resources.

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