NOVA Foundation Announces New Board Members

The NOVA Educational Foundation (NOVA Foundation) is pleased to announce eight new board members, effective July 10, 2020. Through its donors, the NOVA Foundation funds more than 350 scholarships, emergency aid and a range of academic programs and student services throughout the college’s six campuses and NOVA Online.

Founded in 1979, the NOVA Foundation supports NOVA’s goal of providing all students with a high-quality, life-changing education. By connecting donors to NOVA programs, the foundation raises private funds, increases visibility and strengthens partnerships among the college, individual donors, businesses and state and local communities.

“We are beginning our new fiscal year on an exceptional note by welcoming a dynamic group of new board members who bring substantial expertise and a genuine passion for NOVA students to the foundation’s important work. The primary responsibility of directors is to aid in the raising of funds for, and to build awareness of, NOVA throughout our community. We are fortunate that our newest members will engage diverse professional networks in our work.” said Kelly Persons, executive director of the NOVA Foundation.

New Board members include:

Michael W. Graff, Jr., partner at McGuireWoods. Mike has extensive experience in tax-exempt financing, including small manufacturing companies; private, nonprofit elementary and secondary schools; nonprofit association headquarters; college and university student housing facilities and hospitals and healthcare facilities. View his LinkedIn Here.

Debra C. Howe, managing partner and president of Airamid Health Services and Kane Financial Services. Debra has over 40 years of experience in healthcare, including large for-profit organizations such as HRC Manor Care, and she spent the last 30 years in key leadership positions in long-term care. Debra is a proud alumna of NOVA’s Nursing program. View her company’s Website Here.

Esther C. Lee, president, and CEO of Refraction, a technology innovation hub in Northern Virginia. Esther has an extensive career in economic development, marketing, thought leadership and new business strategies. Esther also serves in various roles focused on advancing community interests in Northern Virginia. View her LinkedIn Here.

John Morgan, counsel with Rees Broome, practicing taxation, estate planning wills and trusts and corporate law, among other specializations in Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. John is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner.  View his LinkedIn Here. 

John Porter, now an educational consultant after a distinguished 40-year career in Alexandria City Public Schools from which he retired in 2009. Since retirement, John has remained active as a volunteer for ACT for Alexandria, The Campagna Center and NOVA. View his LinkedIn Here.

Mary E. Power, president and founder of M-Powering Leaders, LLC, provides executive coaching, organizational consulting and serves as an advisor to not-for-profit boards. Mary is an accomplished business driver whose entrepreneurial instincts and strategic vision have carried multiple organizations through rapid growth and change. View her LinkedIn Here.

Scott Alfred Price, regional policy director at Dominion Energy. Before joining Dominion Energy in 2019, Scott was regional director for the office of Senator Mark R. Warner and was executive director of the Virginia High Tech Partnership. Scott has extensive leadership and volunteer experience on various regional boards and organizations. View his LinkedIn Here.

Joseph E. Teipe, Jr., executive vice president at The Washington Times. A seasoned media professional, Joe previously served as vice president for media research firm Coda Ventures and spent nearly 19 years at The Washington Post in various leadership and management roles. Currently, Joe serves as a board member for Maryland Media, Inc. at The University of Maryland and dedicated 12 years of service as a board member for the Better Business Bureau in Washington, D.C. View his LinkedIn Here.

For more about the NOVA Foundation, visit https://www.nvcc.edu/foundation/.