The Landsdowne Nominations Committee is pleased to present the following nine candidates who have submitted their nomination form to run for a three year term on the Board of Directors. There are three positions available. Owners will be receiving a ballot from our management company, First Service Residential in the coming weeks. There will also be an opportunity to nominate individuals from the floor at the Annual Meeting should anyone wish to do so.
Each candidate was given the opportunity to fill out the same candidate questionnaire form. The responses below, in alphabetical order, are what the candidate provided. The Nominations Committee has not changed the responses.
Please review this great slate of candidates and make sure you return your ballot or attend the Annual Meeting on September 17th.
Linda Erwin
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 30+ years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
Over the past 15 years, I have seen a significant decline in the upkeep and care of the Landsdowne community as a whole. To include street repairs, yearly inspections and a disconcerting lack of repairs to houses/townhomes by the owners and renters. Our community is known as being welcoming and a great place to live however, the infrastructure (that once made this a great place to live) is crumbling around us. Some of this is due in part to the age of Landsdowne however, it is disheartening to see when issues of this nature continue to be ignored and/or are simply not prioritized. Moving forward, I would like to see the community and the HOA board work “together” as partners to improve the overall appearance of the community, hold owners and renters accountable and address “real” time issues with common sense decisions. Landsdowne can only benefit in the long run.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
Simply put, to offer a different viewpoint. Sometimes, “Change” can be good.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
I am an excellent listener and know there is always two sides to every issue.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
During my 35 year career with the Alexandria Police Department, I served on numerous city committees and was community liaison to multiple civic associations throughout the city where quality of life issues were the number one priority.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
No
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
I am one of the few original owners that still reside in the community. I recently retired and now have more time on my hands which contributed in part to my deciding to run for the board. I believe that everyone should take an active role in solving problems within their community and be given a chance to be heard.
Linda James
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 7 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
[no answer provided]
Why are you interested in running for the board?
Yes
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
Current Property Owner, Former board member, Northern Virginia Realtor servicing N Virginia. Past owner of several properties in MA, CT and SC.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
Architectural Committee for 6 months
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
No
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
I am a realtor, notary public, Chief Elections Officer, a devoted daughter, and sister, avid gardener, cat lover, and gym lover. I have lived at the same address for 26 years, which is conveniently close to my businesses, family and friends. Since my gift is serving others, this would be a great way to serve the community in live in.
Danielle Kell
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 6 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
I believe there is a lack of action happening at the community-level. As a member of the board, I will strive for engagement of our community and will be focused on getting things done. My goal is to make smooth, efficient, and community-focused decisions that have direct action that will strengthen and better our community.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
I am running for the board because I am a homeowner, mother, and community member who believes that our community can be better. I am excited to share my direct and targeted approach to making things happen.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
As a member of our community who is engaged and dedicated, I am ready to support the HOA with my ability to problem-solve, communicate and get things accomplished. I am a small business owner and officer in the PTA, I understand the nuances necessary to run a successful organization.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I have not served on any formal communities, yet I have participated in many community clean-up events. I have also volunteered my time for the PTA and local mother's groups.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
Danielle Kell is the mommy of two who currently resides in Landsdowne, Virginia. She has been a stay-at-home mom for more than decade and although not an original part of her life plan - she has loved every moment!
For as long as she can remember, she always wanted to create thus she created Cosmic Crayon Company. Since I was little girl growing up in Bermuda, surrounded by family and beauty, I had a love for the arts. This truly is a journey and I am learning on the job, as I go. And it is an adventure! I want customers to know that I appreciate them and that I put a lot of time and effort into each gift and create it as if i was gifting it to someone myself. I aim to go the extra mile to achieve 100% satisfaction.
In addition, Danielle has volunteered her time and talent to local PTA associations and mother's groups in our community. She is excited at the opportunity to serve her community as an HOA representative.
Kayla Mozier
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 7 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
I believe we can straighten our infrastructure to improve the quality and safety of our community. From street lights to accessibility, we have the opportunity to strengthen the needs of our diverse neighborhood. I see opportunities to enhance our community, and from that, I want to help to engage our community.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
As a mother, homeowner, and law student, I believe that I can offer my ability to see the details of our community while pushing forward action that will make a direct impact. I value transparency and communication, while focusing on the nuances that drive forward action.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
As a fresh voice to the board, I will bring my ability to be objective and to consider all the facts before making a decision. This skill will strengthen the board, allowing us to see benefits and consequences of community issues without being persuaded by any particular agenda.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I have not served own a community, yet I have served on multiple community events and clean-up days. I have volunteered as a Girl Scout leader and have also worked pro-bono with law charities, Carpenter's Shelter, and Habitat for Humanity. I also love our furry friends and I created the Dogs of Landsdowne Facebook page.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
Kayla Mozier is a mother, dog-mom, homeowner, and law student living in Landsdowne. As a litigation paralegal, she provides essential support during pre-litigation and ligation processes. She has extensive experience in inter-based research and social media analysis. Kayla is also trained and highly skilled at preparing compelling visual aids and demonstrative exhibits for trail.
Since she joined the law community, she has managed several multi-million dollar litigation and arbitration matters, including a federal jury verdict and $3.375 million settlement from the Southern Poverty Law Center. Kayla has actively managed several billion-dollar defamation cases on behalf of Dominion Voting Systems.
In addition to her law career, Kayla has been a Girl Scout Leader and Cookie Leader for her daughters. She has led groups to participate in the Carpenter's Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. Kayla is excited to participate in the Landsdowne Community and looks forward to strengthening her community.
Luis Pastran
Current Renter*, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 6 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
There is an opportunity to strengthen our community through communication and process transparency. I see and hear - whether online or in-person conversations - that our community is in turmoil. My strengthens are building collaborations and helping groups come to consensus. Thus, my goal is to help unify our community and make Landsdowne the place where we love to live.
*The home was originally purchased by my parents when I was out of the country, with the primary intent to serve as a home for my daughter. We registered the property within the Pastran Gonzalez Family Trust, where I am the primary beneficiary. Both parents are about to be fully retired and I am the primary mortgage contributor. When their retirement does happen we will update information with the Department of Tax Administration at Fairfax County.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
I am running for the board so I can help unify our diverse community. As a parent, homeowner, and long-time resident I am proud to be a Landsdowne member. I believe that my skills align with the current needs of our community.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
As a communications professional, I have the skills to understand our unique audiences and connect with each in the medium necessary. I bring a collaborative and consensus-based approach to my project management style.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I have not participated a formal committee work, however I have participated in many community clean up events and served as a volunteer coach for local sports organizations.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
Professionally: Bilingual manager and situational leader with effective team dynamics. Driven by creativity and adaptability. Passion for understanding audiences preferences with skilled performance in marketing strategies and implementations. Global education with MBA and post-graduate degree.
Maxwell Phillips
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 33 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
1. Crime/Safety - We have had problems with gang-style graffiti, and car break-ins. My goal is to provide support for our neighborhood watch program and to ensure that our neighborhood lights are properly maintained in order to deter crime.
2. Efficiently spending our dues - Landsdowne has many high priority needs such as maintaining our roads, lights, facilities (pool, play-grounds), and community areas. My goal is to focus on these high-priority items and treat our reserve fund as if it is my own money and not a pool of money to be spent on random projects. My goal is to be laser focused on spending our money wisely and to make sure we get the most “bang for our buck”.
3. Property Values - As an owner, I strongly believe that it is important to make sure our property values are maximized. My townhouse is my biggest investment and I will make sure that our investment in a Landsdowne property is an excellent investment. I believe that our investment can be enhanced by continuing to make Landsdowne a great place to live while keeping our dues low. As an owner and resident of Landsdowne for 33 years I will always consider how any board action affects our property values.
4. Renters on our Board of Directors - I strongly believe that only owners should be on our board of directors and not renters. Only owners are members of our association. Since Directors have to make very large financial decisions, I believe that owners who pay the dues are in a much better position to make financial decisions than renters who do not pay dues. I am an owner and I will bring my owner perspective to the board. Island Creek which is the community next to Landsdowne limits their board members to owners and they seem to be functioning fine without the need to add renters to their board.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
I’m very interested in serving on the board because I think I can help to continue to make Landsdowne a great place to live while providing an owner’s perspective to spend our dues money as efficiently as possible.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
I expect to contribute by bringing my 33 years of Landsdowne residency experience to help make the best decisions for our members. One unique experience that I can provide is that I’m an Information Technology engineer specializing in using IT to solve problems. I see many opportunities to use software to reduce our costs. For example, Landsdowne currently has to pay several hundred dollars every time we have a vote. I also see a lot of room for improvement for the Landsdowne website. I will bring my IT knowledge to better help to direct our management company regarding IT issues.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I served on one very short-term committee which was created to help the board improve the process for changing our governing documents. I have attended many live meetings before COVID and this year I think I have attended every virtual board meeting on Zoom.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
I have been an owner and resident of Landsdowne for 33 years. I work in the IT field specializing in cloud technology. My undergrad degree from the University of Memphis is in Electrical Engineering. I have 2 Masters Degrees in Engineering and Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University. Before living in Landsdowne, I lived in Memphis, TN where I have family and visit once a year. I like to stay fit and lately you can find me most early mornings working out at LA Fitness across from Landsdowne.
Thomas W. Sieracki
Current owner, Townhouse
Has lived in the community for 10 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
Primary issue is maintaining the communal quality of life and home values, while controling obsessive county development
Why are you interested in running for the board?
Contributing to customer and client assets and their business value has always been a key objective to my work. Serving on the board is another opportunity to contribute to the welfare and asset growth of the community.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
I have over thirty five years of managing mutimillion dollar businesses and projects. These experiences can contribute to maximizing improvement investments and strengtheing maintenance strategies because my unique experiences include over fifteen years working in the home improvement business, developing and managing multimillion dollar marketing projects, and overseeing contract negotiations in excess of $10 million.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I am currently serving on the landscape committee for three years
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
RESUME:
THOMAS SIERACKI
SUMMARY
• Proven performance in managing and executing highly successful sales strategies
• Ten years selling and executing flooring projects in the MD/VA/DC market
• Thirty years’ experience in retail merchandising and executive sales
RETAIL SALES EXPERIENCE
2009-2016. Retail Flooring Sales Consultant, Piedmont Flooring, Fairfax, VA
• Lead retail sales person for full service flooring company
• Responsible for all client sales and services, from initial proposals to final completion
• Annual sales activities of $600,000
2006-2009. Retail Flooring Sales Consultant, CCA, Alexandria, VA
• Responsible for client sales and services, from initial proposals to final completion
• Achieved number one sales position in retail division for two consecutive years, delivering over $800,000 annually
• Number one retail sales person out of five-member team for thirty consecutive months
MARKETING EXPERIENCE
1988-2006 Sieracki & Company Alexandria, VA
Owner
• Clients include: SPOTLIGHTON.TV, LEARNINGSTREAM, GLOBAL TELEVISION SYNDICATION (CBN), RADIO TELEVISION ESPANOL (rtve), PAX TELEVISION NETWORK, TELEMUNDO AFFILIATE TELEVISION STATIONS, DESANTIS ENTERTAINMENT, MORNINGSTAR PRODUCTIONS, THE INTERNATIONAL CHANNEL FINANCIAL NEWS NETWORK, ORBIS COMMUNICATIONS, GENESIS ENTERTAINMENT, THE TRAVEL CHANNEL, OLIVER PRODUCTIONS, ANAGRAM INTERNATIONAL, CCTV/TCI, CANAL SUR, SBS BROADCAST GROUP
• Marketing/sales activities successfully launched: PERFORMING SONGWRITERS, FIREFIGHTERS, MEMORIES THEN & NOW, IMPACT I FEATURES, THE NEW JOKER'S WILD, MICAH'S CHRISTMAS TREASURE, ALABASTER ANGEL, THE EASTER PROMISE
1993-1998 Grand Entertainment New York, NY
Executive Vice President
• Responsible for all acquisition, marketing, creative services and public relations activities
• Acquired products and developed marketing strategies for projects that included TRAUMA CENTER, INTERNATIONAL MISS PAGEANT, GLORIA AND JOE (MOW), CARIBOU CROSSING, rtve FEATURES PACKAGE (EL GRAN ESTRENO)
• Successfully sold-in to the US market the first Hispanic barter movie network EL GRAN ESTRENO reaching over 12 million US households
1987-1988 Blair Entertainment New York, NY
Director of Sales Research and Promotion
• Upgraded and re-organized all cash division marketing and sales services.
• Supervised all related research activities, external and internal sales communications, writing and production of all sales materials, marketing reports, acquisition evaluations
• Strategies successfully launched DIVORCE COURT and STAR POWER 20 features
1986-1987 LBS Communications, Inc. New York, NY
Director of Sales Research and Promotion/Account Executive
• Recruited to refine and improve program marketing and creative services activities: related sales materials, presentations, demo reel scripts, product brochures, sales promotion campaigns
• Improved marketing plans established successful launches of AMERICAN BANDSTAND, THE MUSIC MACHINE, SMITHSONIAN SERIES, GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS, SCARED STRAIGHT, YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
• As account executive achieved 80% sell-in rate in assigned markets
1985-1986 Television Program Enterprises New York, NY
Director of Sales Research and Promotion/Account Executive
• Recruited to enhance sales research and creative support services for twelve-person sales staff
• Developed sales positioning strategies, supporting research sales presentations, sales promotion campaigns, competitive product tracking reports
• Strategies and campaigns contributed to the successful launch of all programs: STAR SEARCH, LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH & FAMOUS, YOU WRITE THE SONGS
• As account executive achieved 90% sell-in rate in assigned markets
AWARDS AND DISTINCTION
• Outstanding Sales Achievement, CCA Retail division, number one salesperson with over $800,000 in annual sales, 2008, 2007.
• Identified over $40 million in new DSP Fortune 500 business opportunities for LEARNINGSTREAM, INC
• Established foundation network for national wireless, DOW-JONES/MARKETWATCH
• Developed successful sales and marketing campaigns that launched over thirty-five television programs, series, and specials, representing over $100 million in company revenues
• Organizer and moderator of "Cable Talk and How to Understand It". Seminar sponsored by Philadelphia Club of Advertising Women. 130 attendees Philadelphia, PA
• Course instructor, "Introduction to Print Production and Design". Professional development course sponsored by Philadelphia Club of Advertising Women. Philadelphia, PA
• Contributing writer, ADVERTISING AGE, Crains Communications, Chicago, IL
EDUCATION
• Marywood College, Scranton, PA. Master Degree Program
• University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI. English major. Teacher Certification
• University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI. History and English major. BA Degree
References furnished upon request. Page 2 of 2
Janet Ann Stypula
Current owner, Single Family
Has lived in the community for 33 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
In my view, there are several issues facing our community, such as the overall appearance and aging of the community, landscaping (particularly the trees and erosion, etc.) In addition, if we want Landsdowne to continue to be a neighborhood that attracts and retains friendly family-oriented residents, we must continue to make strides in involvement, calls to action, and regain a sense of community.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
I filled a mid-term vacancy and have been on the Board for several months. It's a commitment of time and effort and I would like to continue to make a contribution to our community. I am also interested in hearing from neighbors about their concerns and working toward responding to and improving issues.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
As an HR professional, I have vast experience in dealing with issues, conflict resolution, contract negotiation, and vendor management, just to name a few skills that I feel I could bring to the community as a Board member.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
I am currently on the ARC and Landscaping committees.
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
I have been a long-time resident of Landsdowne and enjoy my great neighbors and the friends that I have made over the years. I have a long career as an HR professional having worked for several trade associations, along with 10 years at Amtrak and over 17 years at an aerospace company. I am currently working as the Director of Benefits & Wellness for Valor Healthcare who provides healthcare services to veterans in more that 50 locations across the country. What could be better that working for a company committed to our veterans! I totally enjoy my work. I was born/raised in western PA - just 25 miles outside of Pittsburgh in a very small town but have lived in the DC metro area for many years now. I live on Old Parsonage Court with one of my sisters and our dog Fig - an Anatolian Shepherd mix. I have 3 grandchildren in the area and many great nieces and nephews that I enjoy spending time with. I also enjoy European travel a group of travel friends.
Andrew Wright
Current owner, Single Family
Has lived in the community for 23 years
What do you see as the primary issues facing Landsdowne? What are your goals for the community?
Maintenance and/or replacement of aging infrastructure, e.g., mailboxes, street lights, trees, etc.
Why are you interested in running for the board?
To keep the major services on track: trash removal, landscaping, snow removal, swimming pool. And to address the primary issues noted above.
How do you anticipate being able to contribute to the board and our community? What unique experience or knowledge can you bring to the board?
Willingness to step up and do it. Previous committee and board experience.
Have you served on any committees, and if so, which committees and for how long?
Architectural review board (maybe 6 years?), board of directors (3 years)
Have you attended any board meetings in the past year?
Yes
Are you generally available to answer board related emails within a 24-hour period?
Yes
What is something you would like the community to know about you? ( i.e. brief bio)
Lived here since 1999 in both townhomes and single family homes. Not leaving any time soon.