Number of Years in the Community: I have spent 27 years in Vienna.
Family: I have a husband, Melvin R. McCoy, who is a retired military officer. We have three daughters: Kimberly L. Veney (husband Ronald Veney), Kelli L. Williams (husband Maj. Timothy Williams serving currently in Iraq), and Marilyn Tolliver. We also have three grandchildren: Dillon McCoy Williams, Ellianna Veney and Sydney Williams.
Education: I have a bachelors of science and a master's degree, with additional graduate hours.
Current job: I am currently the principal of Shrevewood Elementary School.
Achievements: My awards include the Powers Leadership Award, the NAACP Leadership Award, the human relations award, the Golden Eagle Mentor award, and I have been nominated for Fairfax Principal of the Year and the Spillane Leadership Award. I have received the First Baptist leadership commendation, Delta Sigma Theta 25 year commendation, and numerous other certificates of appreciation and commendation.
Activities: Former national trainer for the National Education Association's National Principals' Academy, co-author of three books, author of several magazine articles, parliamentarian for the Delta Sigma Gamma Professional Women's Association, member of the Historic Vienna, Inc., Board, president of the Luray, Va. New York-Virginia Club for the preservation of African American culture in Luray, trustee of First Baptist Church, vice president of the Christian Education Council, and member of the College Connection committee. I am also former president of the Malcolm Windover Civic Association and Watch Program and a former member of the Town Business Liaison and Town Beautification Committees.
Interests/Hobbies: I love painting, walking, movies, crafts, golf, traveling, family, junking, gardening and decorating.
Favorite local restaurant or place: Natta Thai, Amphora, the bike path and Church Street.
Community Concerns: I would love to see some affordable housing so young people who do not have six-figure jobs could live in and benefit from this wonderful family town. It is a great place to raise a family. We decided that we would forsake a larger home in Ashburn to stay in Vienna and renovate our home on Nutley Street. This great sense of community needs to be available to more families with children so that it can continue. Also, some neighborhoods need swimming pools and more recreational outlets.
Community hidden treasure: The hidden treasure is the great acceptance people of all races have for each other in this town, and the profound respect that exists, particularly among the older families of all races. By comparison, this town is very safe, and schools are truly community schools in which parents and non-parents take great interest and responsibility.
Personal goals: To spend as much time with my beautiful family and adorable grandchildren as I can, to introduce them to as much of this country as I can. To continue to make sure that the children I am responsible for receive messages that they are valued and can learn what ever they wish. To continue to work to keep Vienna safe and attractive for all families. To continue to work with my town of birth to support children, the churches and the culture. I hope to find some way to convince someone to build for younger families inside the town limits.