For twenty years, Carpenter’s Shelter has been governed by dynamic community volunteers who tirelessly  share their time, talents and treasures to fulfill our mission of ending and preventing family and chronic homelessness.  Currently there are thirteen board members.

(Hover over ‘name’ for additional information)

Chair: Matt Sheldon, Esq.
On the board since: 2000
Current occupation: Attorney at Reed Smith LLP
Equipped to serve: Matt has used his legal background to assist the shelter in various ways, including updating the organization’s Bylaws.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Resume Writing Workshop volunteer with wife since 1997
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Carpenter’s has developed into more than just a homeless shelter. The programs it has instituted over the past few years help residents develop the skills they need to lead independent lives and avoid a return to homelessness.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “Carpenter’s has so many great contributors, including our excellent staff, strong volunteers, dedicated Board, and generous donors. Every person plays an important role. Over the past few years, I have worked hard to develop and implement various objectives as part of the organizations Strategic Plan, which I believe is having a strong impact on the work that Carpenter’s does to achieve its vision of ending homelessness in our community.”

Vice Chair: Val Hawkins
On the board since: 1999
Current occupation: Forty-year veteran in the real estate industry managing real estate subsidiaries for large banks and an insurance company; currently President and CEO of the Alexandria Economic Development Authority.
Equipped to serve: Val’s professional background provides him with the ability to work with all types of institutions and people; with fundraising and financial management.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Fellow Board members Peter Lunt and Lee Fifer invited Val to get involved at the Shelter.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Ending homelessness; helping those less fortunate than we are; helping people who have had setbacks in life get back on their feet to lead prideful and productive lives.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “As a team leader in Development, I have worked to raise much needed funds to support Carpenter’s mission. Carpenter’s has grown so successful because of the great Board and Executive Director leadership and a wonderful staff.”

Treasurer: Tom Clark, CPA
On the board since: 2001
Current occupation: COO for Association for Fundraising Professionals; has more than 30 years experience in nonprofit management
Equipped to serve: Tom brings to the Board his extensive knowledge and background in the areas of strategic planning, finance and accounting, human resources and administration, information technology, meetings and conferences, education and training programs, membership and chapter services, and international development.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Invited to serve by fellow Board member Lee Fifer after expressing interest in community services shortly after moving to Alexandria
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Carpenter’s Shelter really does make a difference in people’s lives. The 90 percent success rate is phenomenal in today’s environment and demonstrates our commitment to results.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “I am proud to have served with a group of outstanding Board members, staff, and the best Executive Director I’ve ever known. The success Carpenter’s Shelter has had is truly the result of a team effort.”

Secretary: Anthony Lowe, Esq.
Equipped to serve: Anthony leverages his experience in business, law and policy to support Carpenter’s mission to eliminate homelessness. Additionally, Anthony has previous Board experience after serving on the Board of Great DC Cares.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: began service as a Board member; supports Advocacy, Strategy, Development and Audit committees
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “By any measure, Carpenter’s Shelter is a shining example of effective homelessness prevention, and I want to be a part of engaging the community to expand Carpenter’s solution to help even more families and individuals.”

Board Members:

Jim Coakley
On the board since: 2007
Current occupation: Runs a real estate company that specializes in development of high density data centers, specially designed to support computers used for a variety of enterprise – Internet service providers, telecom switching sites, disaster recovery backup of storage or simple business enterprise activities.
Equipped to serve: Jim’s professional expertise makes him very helpful in the areas of finance, real estate and marketing.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Regularly donated food to the Shelter before joining the Board at the invitation of Lee Fifer
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “So far, I have been able to contribute by taking notes at our various meetings and summarizing the deliberations into meeting minutes. I would like to find a project that requires input on real estate or construction matters.”

Brenda Doherty
On the board since: 2009
Current occupation: Executive Search, Specializing in Health Care
Equipped to serve: My background in health care, my for-profit experiences, and my belief that basic human needs must be met before people can thrive. I also believe that we ALL need a hand some time in our lives and many have been extended to me over the years. Ultimately, the fact that I have enjoyed so many gifts, that it is my time to give back.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Val Hawkin’s charm and energy made me want to get involved with Carpenter’s Shelter. Once I did, I fell head over hills in love with the staff and the leadership of CS.
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Carpenter’s changes lives. It changes the lives of its’ guests… but also it changes the lives of all who volunteer.”

Kerry Donley
On the board since: 2009
Current occupation: Senior Vice President for Virginia Commerce Bank in Alexandria, Va.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: Volunteer during Carpenter’s early years; as Mayor, supported award of property to Carpenter’s at Cameron Station; worked to establish Carpenter’s at its current location
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “The mission of Carpenter’s has grown dramatically over the years from an emergency shelter focusing on providing a roof to those in our community in need to a mission promoting sufficiency and stabilization. Its focus on families has been significant as well as the face of homelessness in our community has changed over the years.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “As a new member, I hope to have an impact on advocacy as we seek to raise the profile of Carpenter’s in Alexandria and the region as an organization which has met success in stabilizing the lives of many who have found themselves homeless. We have a great story to tell and one which should lead to greater community involvement through added volunteers and financial support.”

Carson Lee Fifer, Jr., Esq.
Current occupation: Attorney
Equipped to serve: Lee’s organization and networking skills have led to the addition of several current Board members in recent years.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: organized a winter coat drive (Operation Warmer Winter) at Carpenter’s former Duke Street location
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “The results. Carpenter’s has continued to do its tasks better and better”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “I’ve helped assemble a high quality Board.”

Jeremy Flachs, Esq.
On the board since: 1993
Current occupation: Attorney focusing on plaintiff’s personal injury
Equipped to serve: Jeremy’s familiarity with the legal system along with his involvement in city politics and housing issues add to his value on the Board.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: volunteered and shortly after joined Board
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “I am proud of Carpenter’s effort to prevent recidivism and its efforts to establish transitional housing for its residents. I also believe job mentoring and life skills training are important.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “Some of my efforts have been directed to transitional housing, ongoing funding for Carpenter’s and advocacy; including the Del Ray Halloween Parade / Help the Homeless. I walk with my wife and daughter every year.”

Rita Grazda
On the board since: 2008
Current occupation: Human Resources Leader, Federal Solutions Division, QinetiQ North America
Equipped to serve: Rita’s more than 10 years corporate communication and public relations experience as well as 10 years in human resources and organization development, paired with her passion for the Carpenter’s Shelter mission and volunteer experience, bring added value to the Board.
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: administrative shelter helper, job mentor, member of Development Committee
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Without a doubt it is our focus on self-sufficiency. Our education and support opportunities for both adults and children are the key to enabling them to lead successful lives once they leave us.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “Helped Carpenter’s increase revenue and visibility through Cook-off Committee activities such as pre-selling tickets at farmer’s markets and asking Development Committee members to pre-sell tickets”
•  “Helped increase awareness of Carpenter’s mission and congregational giving as liaison to Westminster Presbyterian Church”

Kim Jackson, CPA

Peter Lunt

David Speck
Current occupation: Managing Director of specific investments group for Wells Fargo Advisors
Initial involvement with Carpenter’s Shelter: While serving on the City Council
In their own words:
What is most impacting about Carpenter’s Shelter?
•  “Changing people’s lives and giving them hope.”
Accomplishments at Carpenter’s Shelter:
•  “I hope I’ve helped Carpenter’s financial stability”