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Fifteen McLean residents have qualified for the McLean Community Center’s 2025 Governing Board election, setting up competitive races for five open seats.
The field announced March 27 includes six adults and nine teenagers. Three adult seats are available, along with one youth seat representing the Langley High School boundary area and another representing the McLean High School area.
Adult members of the 11-person volunteer board serve three-year terms, while youth representatives serve for one year. Only residents of Dranesville Small District 1A, the special tax district that funds the center, may vote.
Absentee voting runs from Wednesday, April 2, through 5 p.m. Friday, May 9. Residents can request ballots at the community center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, or apply online, call 703-744-9348 or email elections@mcleancenter.org.
In-person voting will be offered at the McLean Community Center tent during McLean Day at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. Polls will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 17.
The board sets policy, approves the center’s budget and develops its long-term strategy. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the center operates classes, camps and community events, presents performances at the Alden Theatre and offers teen programming through the Old Firehouse Center.
Six Adults Seek Three Seats
Two sitting board members are among the six adult candidates.
Kim Anderson, a McLean resident of 30 years and a local business owner, said she wants to strengthen programs, events and resources for residents of every age.
Anna Bartosiewicz is seeking another term after three years on the board. She emphasized the center’s role in making cultural opportunities accessible and creating a place where neighbors can develop a shared sense of belonging.
Current member Ron Keesing also is running for reelection. A technologist and business leader who serves on Fairfax County’s Council on Economic Opportunity, he said he would focus on community feedback and the center’s sustainable growth as it enters its next 50 years.
Liz Lawson, who moved to Northern Virginia with her family in 2020, cited two decades of experience in the arts, including work in the music industry and as a bestselling author. She wants to support diverse and inclusive programming.
Christopher Roberts has lived in McLean for more than 25 years and has served in senior management positions and on academic and corporate boards. He said he would seek residents’ ideas while ensuring the center uses tax dollars responsibly.
Nan Tian, a McLean resident since 2009 and a mother of three teenagers, said her priorities include more family-oriented events, a wider variety of cultural activities and greater attention to residents’ needs. She holds graduate degrees in public policy and business and has worked in international development for more than 20 years.
Three Candidates Run in the Langley Area
Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak, a Langley High sophomore, wants to expand inclusive activities such as movie nights, outdoor programs and fundraisers while encouraging teen-led nonprofit ventures.
Katie Myshrall, a Langley junior, has participated in the center throughout her life, including 12 years taking and teaching dance classes and service as an MCC Youth Ambassador. She said she would advocate for more teen programs and resources.
Aakriti Rustagi, also an MCC Youth Ambassador, said she wants young people across the community to be represented equally in decisions affecting them. Her work with youth board members has given her familiarity with the position and its responsibilities.
Six Vie for the McLean High Area Seat
Buse Arici said living in Turkey, Belgium and the United States gave her a global perspective that she would bring to community service. She described organization, determination and advocacy as central to her campaign.
Aanya Jain, who was born and raised in McLean, said the center’s summer activities and theatrical programs helped inspire her community involvement. She wants to promote MCC programs and represent students in the McLean High community.
Alexander Lee, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology and a former Longfellow and Chesterbrook student, wants to build stronger connections between the center and local students. He proposed creating more opportunities to highlight young people’s work in the arts, innovation and other fields.
Sean Noh, a McLean High sophomore involved with Raising Student Voices and his school’s Environmental Committee, said he would advocate for inclusive educational and cultural activities reflecting teenagers’ views.
Kathryn Thomas pointed to her own experiences in MCC art classes, choir, art shows and McLean Day. A basketball and swim coach, she said serving on the board would allow her to deepen her investment in the community.
Venita Wang, a McLean High student and MCC Youth Ambassador, wants to develop new projects and improve connections between residents and the center. Her other experience includes teaching at Hope Chinese School and serving in additional leadership roles.