Competition for seats on the McLean Community Center’s Governing Board remains strong.
After fielding a dozen candidates for four adult seats and two youth seats last year, the MCC announced last Thursday (March 27) that 15 residents — six adults and nine teens — have qualified for the 2025 board elections.
This year, the 11-member volunteer board has three open seats for adults and two for youth — one for the Langley High School boundary area and one for the McLean High School area. The youth candidates serve one-year terms, while adults serve for three years.
Voting for the election is only open to residents of Dranesville Small District 1A, a special tax district created to fund the community center.
Absentee voting will begin next Wednesday (April 2) and continue until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Ballots can be requested in person at the community center (1234 Ingleside Avenue), online, by calling 703-744-9348 or emailing elections@mcleancenter.org.
Regular in-person voting will take place during the annual McLean Day festivities at Lewinsville Park (1659 Chain Bridge Road). MCC will have a voting tent set up from 4-8 p.m. during the carnival rides on Friday, May 16, and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.
The governing board provides oversight for MCC by guiding policy, approving a budget and developing strategic plans. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year, the community center offers classes, camps, events, artistic performances through the Alden Theatre, and teen programs at the Old Firehouse Center.
This year’s candidates for the open adult seats include two current board members seeking reelection. On the youth side, there are three candidates for the Langley seat and six for the McLean High seat.
Here’s the full list of candidates, including personal statements provided by MCC:
Adult Candidates
Kim Anderson
I have proudly called McLean home for 30 years. As a local business owner, I understand the community’s needs and opportunities. I am running for the McLean Community Center Governing Board to help enrich our programs, events and resources for residents of all ages. I am running for the McLean Community Center Governing Board to ensure its programs, events and resources continue to enrich residents of all ages. With experience and passion, I would be honored to serve and strengthen our community.
Anna Bartosiewicz
As a member of the MCC Governing Board, it has been my honor to build a strong, responsive partnership between the center’s talented staff and the citizens of McLean these past three years. As a mom and McLean resident, I appreciate the MCC’s fifty-year tradition of making world-class cultural enrichment accessible to all of us. I am dedicated to helping MCC continue to grow and evolve as it welcomes and embraces everyone in our community. Having a place to come together strengthens our bonds and fosters a shared sense of curiosity and belonging between neighbors.
Ron Keesing
I’m honored to serve as a current member of MCC’s Governing Board and support its work bringing together all members of our diverse community. I’d like to continue assuring MCC delivers an extraordinary array of services and programming; provides rich opportunities for every McLean resident to learn, play, celebrate and grow; embraces feedback to improve continuously; and strengthens our bonds as a community. As a technologist and business leader, and through my work on Fairfax County’s Council on Economic Opportunity, I’ll focus on making sure MCC continues to evolve and grow sustainably as it begins its next 50 years.
Liz Lawson
My husband, son and I moved to Northern Virginia in 2020. Since, we’ve attended camps, performances and festivals at MCC and have grown deeply appreciative of everything it offers our family and community. Support of the arts is incredibly important to me. I’ve worked in the field for 20 years, first in the music industry and currently as a New York Times bestselling author and believe my background will bring a unique perspective to MCC’s Board. With your support, I’ll work with the entire MCC team to help continue its tradition of diverse and inclusive programming for all.
Christopher Roberts
I’ve called McLean home for over 25 years. I raised my children here, and we enjoyed a wide range of programs/activities offered by MCC. I’m running for the board as a way of giving back to our community. I’ve served on academic and corporate boards, and in senior management roles in public and private companies. I believe my professional experience will bring a fresh perspective to the board. If elected, I’ll listen to your feedback on existing programs and consider all suggestions and new ideas, while ensuring tax dollars entrusted to MCC are used wisely. Thank you for your vote.
Nan Tian
I’ve lived in McLean since 2009. I’m a mother of three teenage children who have benefited from numerous MCC programs for years. As an MCC board member, I will focus on expanding family-friendly events, promoting diversified cultural activities and listening to residents’ needs. I hold a master’s in public policy from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Maryland and have been working in international development for over 20 years. I believe in finding solutions through collaboration, innovation and teamwork, which would benefit MCC. I also volunteer in Chinese language education and advocate for the performing arts.
Langley High School Boundary Area
Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak
My name is Anastasiia Dudnik-Dubiniak and I’m a sophomore at Langley High. My ambition of running for the MCC board is rooted in a genuine desire to enhance McLean’s liveliness, vibrance and responsiveness to the diverse needs of its residents. I aim to create a lively and welcoming community, uniting us all by organizing inclusive and engaging events, such as movie nights, outdoor activities, fundraising events and promoting teen nonprofit startups. With my fresh perspective and dedication, I intend to amplify the voices of teens and enhance MCC’s inclusivity statement by promoting a vibrant and welcoming community for all.
Katie Myshrall
I’m Katie Myshrall, a junior at Langley High School. I’ve been involved with the McLean Community Center my whole life. I’ve taken and taught dance classes at MCC for 12 years, and I’ve been an MCC Youth Ambassador. As a board member of the MCC, I will advocate for resources for teen events and programming. At Langley, I play in the orchestra, I’m on the varsity cheer and gymnastics teams, I’m a junior class officer and I’m an editor of the yearbook. I’m also a Gold Award Girl Scout. Please vote for me as your representative on the MCC board.
Aakriti Rustagi
I, Aakriti Rustagi, am running for the MCC Governing Board to ensure all youth in our community are represented equally and have a voice in decisions that affect them. As an MCC Youth Ambassador, I am well-equipped with knowledge of MCC programs and services and have worked closely with youth board members. This experience has given me insight into the role’s responsibilities and the dedication it requires. I am passionate, hardworking and detail-oriented and want to use my leadership skills to make a meaningful difference. I am committed to ensuring the MCC continues to support all areas of the community.
McLean High School Boundary Area
Buse Arici
As an older sister, I’ve learned leadership values and responsibility from a young age. I’m running for MCC Governing Board to bring my passion for organization, determination and community to the table. Whether I’m journaling or indulging in some chocolate, I try to reflect, grow and find joy in the simple things. Having lived in Turkey, Belgium and the USA, I’ve developed a global perspective that fuels my desire to create meaningful change. I strive to be part of a new generation of leaders, dedicated to serving our community and inspiring others to take part in advocating for one another.
Aanya Jain
I’m running to be a representative on the MCC board! I was born and raised in McLean and, without a doubt, the MCC has played a pivotal role in my active involvement within my community. From a young age I was exposed to the diverse summer activities and plays kindly sponsored by MCC! Thanks to this exposure, I’m part of clubs like Raising Student Voices, where I can further my community engagement and advocacy. By getting the opportunity to serve on the board, I strive to help promote the magnificent programs MCC has and can’t wait to represent the Highlanders!
Alexander Lee
Hello, I am Alexander Lee, a student at TJHSST and a former Longfellow and Chesterbrook student. I am running for the MCC Governing Board to strengthen connections between MCC and local students. As my class council’s treasurer, I have learned to listen, budget wisely and organize engaging events. I want MCC to showcase student talent in arts, innovation and more—helping young people grow and discover new possibilities. My goal is to make MCC a place where students not only express themselves but also enjoy fun through events that bring our community together. I’d be honored to have your support!
Sean Noh
My name is Sean Noh, a sophomore at McLean High School, and I’m running for the MCC Governing Board. Understanding the need for community advocacy, I’ve been a part of several public projects through my time in Raising Student Voices and our school’s Environmental Committee, strengthening my organizational and collaborative skills. As a board member, I hope to cultivate an inclusive environment that voices the lives of McLean’s diverse residents, pushing for growth and inclusivity in our community. I will also continue the MCC’s work by bringing educational and cultural activities representing the opinions of teens in McLean.
Kathryn Thomas
MCC’s commitment to fostering a positive youth environment and encouraging creativity is especially important to me, as it provided me with many great experiences, allowing me to embrace others, my creativity and my community. Once participating in youth art classes and choir, I now showcase my artwork at the art show and enjoy McLean Day with friends. I understand the importance of giving back. In my spare time I work as a basketball and swim coach, granting me the opportunity to invest in community, something I hope to further advance as a candidate for the 2025 MCC Governing Board Election.
Venita Wang
Hi, I’m Venita Wang, a student at McLean High School. The MCC is a vital part of my life, and I’m passionate about giving back. I will prioritize developing innovative projects and strengthening connections between MCC and McLean residents. My goal is to ensure the needs of our residents are met and that McLean is a welcoming and inclusive community for all. My leadership and volunteer experience, including serving as MCC Youth Ambassador and teaching at Hope Chinese School and other leadership roles have prepared me to make a real difference. Please vote Venita for the MCC Governing Board!
