Mount Vernon — Diana York and James Rees have been nominated as Lord and Lady for the Mount Vernon District.
York has led many efforts in the South County Community, especially those related to helping children. She has been a driving force between the Gunston Tutoring Program, the Gunston Christmas Mart, and other programs geared to assist children in need. From the opening of the South County Secondary School in 2005, York has been involved with the PTSO and has had a major role in fundraising money for student scholarships.
Rees, president of the Mount Vernon Estate, has successfully overseen Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens and led the campaign to bring George Washington back into the spotlight. It was his vision for Mount Vernon’s future that led to the opening of the Ford Orientation and Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center buildings in 2006. During his tenure, Rees has led the Estate through restoration and reconstruction projects, continuing the preservation of the Estate. He served as the director of development and associate director at Mount Vernon from 1983 until his appointment as president in 1991. During his tenure, the staff has nearly doubled in size and Mount Vernon’s endowment has grown from $4 million to $125 million. Rees currently serves on the board of directors for Fairfax County Convention and Visitors Corporation and the Piedmont Environmental Council of Virginia. He holds undergraduate and honorary doctorate degrees from the College of William & Mary and a master’s degree in public administration from George Washington University.