2017-18 Board Officers

Sara Leonard, Board Chair — Sara Leonard has served on the Board since 2011 as a representative from Christ the Servant Lutheran Church. She has chaired the Board Governance Committee since 2013 and served as Vice Chair since 2014. Leonard is a marketing and communications expert, having worked for Freddie Mac in corporate and product marketing and communications before launching her own marketing and brand management firm, S&T Communications. Leonard is active in the social outreach work of her congregation, including service to Fellowship House in Hunters Woods Plaza and to the Hunters Woods Neighborhood Coalition. She is a Graduate of Leadership Fairfax.

Susan Jones, Vice Chair — Susan “Suzi” Jones has lived in Reston for over 40 years and has been actively involved in the community since then, having previously served as the President of the Reston Association Board, and the Chair of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Jones has also been actively involved with the Greater Reston Arts Center, and the Initiative for Public Art Reston. Jones was recently a researcher and producer for the documentary film, Another Way of Living: The Story of Reston, VA. Jones has served as the Board Strategic Planning Committee Chair for the past two years.

John Thomas, Secretary — John Thomas has served on the Board of Directors since 2014, co-leading strategic planning efforts and providing support to the finance and audit committee. Thomas was formerly Chief Strategic Officer at Leidos, and previously the acting president of the company’s National Security Sector. Prior to his work with Leidos, Thomas served in the U.S. Army for 33 years, retiring with final rank of Major General.

Lawrence Schwartz, Treasurer — Lawrence “Larry” Schwartz CPA, MBA, CVA will continue his service as the Treasurer of Cornerstones, bringing strong experience in tax and financial planning, accounting services, business valuations and other consulting services. He is a partner with the firm PBMares. Schwartz has experience serving on the board of directors of for-profit enterprises, educational, community and religious organizations, as well as nonprofit organizations, including previous service on the Cornerstones (then, Reston Interfaith) Board of Directors.

The Board also welcomes new Directors — Diane Ellor, representing Good Shepherd Lutheran Church; Debra Allen, representing Heritage Fellowship Church; Gillian Sescoe, representing Congregation Beth Emeth; Mike Cooley, representing Shoreshim; and Joan Kasprowicz, representing St. John Neumann Catholic Community. The agency is thrilled to have these incredible individuals bring their skill and passion to Cornerstones’ Board of Directors, and thanks outgoing directors Willie Bush, Gail Greenberg, Davood Sedaghatfar and Fran Steinbauer.