Junior League of Northern Virginia Announces 2008-09 Board of Directors

July 21, 2008 - PRLog -- The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV), a women’s volunteer organization that empowers women to be a driving force to improve the Northern Virginia community proudly announces the board of directors for the 2008-09 year, led by President Tamara W. Ashford. Ashford, of Alexandria, Va., succeeds Emily Oehler, also of Alexandria, Va. She will serve a one-year term through May 2009.

“For more than 50 years, the JLNV has actively participated in developing programs and partnering with nonprofit, public and private sector organizations to help improve the lives of underserved families living in Northern Virginia,” said Ashford. “I look forward to working with our new board of directors, League members, and nonprofit, public and private sector partners to build upon our strong legacy of serving the community and establishing new outreach programs to positively impact more lives.”

This is Ashford’s ninth year as a member of the JLNV. She previously served as Treasurer/Finance Council director and Membership Council director, bringing significant board-level experience. In addition, she has held the positions of JLNV Thrift Shop Treasurer, Provisional Advisor and chaired the Resource Development Committee. She is also a member of Leadership Arlington (class of 2008).  

Ashford is employed as a senior advisor to the Commissioner of the Large and Mid-Size Business Division at the IRS and holds a Bachelor of Arts in public policy studies from Duke University, a Juris Doctor from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Laws in tax from the University of Miami. She has lived in Alexandria for 11 years.

Ashford is proud to serve on the JLNV’s Board of Directors with fellow members:
•   Nene Spivy (Great Falls)--President-Elect
•   M. Tracy Ault (Herndon)--Sustainer Representative
•   Darlene Bakke (Arlington)--Community Council Director
•   Kathy Boatwright (Falls Church)—Treasurer/Finance Council Director
•   Teresa Demangos (Sterling)--Treasurer-Elect
•   Tanya La Force (McLean)--Fund Development Council Director
•   Beth Malara (Fairfax)--Nominating Committee Chair
•   E. Jill Parlett (Arlington)--Planning Council Director
•   Whitney Richardson (Herndon)--Communications Council Director
•   MaryJo Robinson (Ashburn)--Parliamentarian
•   Katharine Vaughn (Alexandria)--Secretary
•   René Wilkinson (Vienna)--Membership Council Director

Over the past 50 years, the JLNV has contributed more than $2 million and 1 million volunteer hours for its programs and initiatives.

The JLNV’s community projects for 2008-09 include the expansion into Loudoun County of the Back-to-School Health Fairs for uninsured children, implementation of the JLNV-created My Life self-esteem photography and Kids Can character development programs for children living in area shelters, and continuation of its signature project with The Children’s Science Center and national Kids in the Kitchen program to provide sound nutrition and fitness education. Ashford and the new JLNV board plan to introduce new programs and initiatives in support of the health and welfare of the community throughout the year.

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The Junior League of Northern Virginia is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.