At the Workhouse Arts Center, our team is dedicated to inspiring creativity, fostering community, and preserving the rich history of our campus. From arts education and exhibitions to performance programs and community initiatives, each staff member plays a vital role in bringing our mission to life. Meet the passionate individuals who work tirelessly to support artists, engage audiences, and make the Workhouse a dynamic hub for the arts.
Meet the Team Behind
the Workhouse Arts Center
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Keith Gordon joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in July of 2024. As President and CEO, Keith’s responsibilities include establishing the short and long-term vision for the Workhouse Arts Center, creating and implementing the organization’s strategic plan, overseeing all day-to-day business operations, facilitating the company's culture, collaborating with the WAF Board of Directors, and managing its strategic partnership with the County of Fairfax.Prior to joining the Workhouse Arts Foundation, Keith served as President and CEO of Fight For Children (FFC), an entrepreneurial organization at the intersection of private enterprise, nonprofit, and the public sector, providing access to opportunities for underserved children throughout the DC region. In this role, he oversaw all operations, including strategic planning, Board management, financial planning and investments, programming, development, marketing, communications, human resources, and the organization’s annual fundraising gala.
During his nine years with the organization, Keith led the effort to revitalize FFC’s role as a change agent within the region’s philanthropic community. Under his leadership, the organization doubled in size and achieved record revenuein each of his first three years. In 2018, he initiated a mission transition, which included adopting a new mission and evolving beyond the organization’s 30-year annual fundraising gala (Fight Night) in 2019.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he led FFC’s efforts to aid DC’s recovery, including financial support for local youth-serving nonprofits and addressing the digital divide among students in low-income communities. He established a new vision, a new brand identity, and launched new initiatives, including the Fight For Children Youth Development Institute, the Fight For Children Sports Medicine Center, and Fight For Children Honors. In June of 2022, he was selected to join the Today Show’s Al Roker at the Social Innovation Summit in Washington, DC, where he was a featured panelist on effective and compelling storytelling for brands.
Before joining FFC, Keith served as President of National Football League Players Incorporated, where he transformed an $85M subsidiary of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) into an innovative, public-facing, and in-demand B2B property, with annual revenue exceeding $150M. Previously, he served as the Director of Lavidge Sports Marketing, a boutique advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he launched a sports division with clients including the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Mercury, World Golf Championships, and KTAR 620AM Sports. Earlier in his career, he served as the Director of Business Development for the National Basketball Association (NBA), with roles in the Team Marketing & Business Operations (TMBO) and Global Merchandising Groups.
With more than 15 years of C-suite leadership experience, Keith has successfully built, developed, re-imagined, re-energized, and led teams through organizational change. He prides himself on being creative, resourceful, and versatile, with a strong sense of social responsibility and an appetite for helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. He’s been described by colleagues as a creative, fun, innovative, and collaborative leaderwho enjoys mentoring and empowering individuals to think creatively, tackle complex business issues, and achieve their best.
Keith earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Arizona State University, where he served as Captain of the Model United Nations team. His passion for community impact is reflected in various service roles, including Vice Chair of OSSE’s Community Schools Advisory Committee, Raise DC’s Leadership Council, the Artists & Athletes Alliance Advisory Board, and as Chairman of the Washington DC Chapter of YPO.
Keith resides in Northern Virginia with his wife Mary and their two children, Matthew and Mia. When not in the office or boardroom, he can be found coaching on the sidelines or behind the microphone at local sporting events and school fundraisers. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his family, outdoor adventures, seasonal sports, and learning new songs to play on the guitar.
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Sharon Arndt joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in January 2024 as the Operations Manager, where she supports colleagues with day-to-day operations and contributes to special projects that advance the organization’s mission. Sharon brings a wealth of experience in community engagement, organizational leadership, and project management to her role at the Workhouse Arts Center.Prior to joining the Workhouse, Sharon enjoyed a distinguished career in public health with Fairfax County Government, where she served as Director of Community Health Development. In this role, she collaborated with local government partners, elected officials, nonprofits, and community-based organizations to advance well-being and promote health equity across the region. Sharon’s dedication and impact were recognized by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, who honored her with the 2022 A. Heath Onthank Award for merit—the County’s highest employee recognition.
Sharon holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Richmond and earned master's degrees from both George Washington University and George Mason University. She is also a 2018 graduate of the Leadership Fairfax Institute, a program dedicated to fostering community leaders who drive meaningful change.
Passionate about the local community and its artistic legacy, Sharon brings her commitment to stewardship of local assets to the Workhouse Arts Center.
Outside of Work, Sharon loves spending time with her large family and many friends, traveling to new destinations, and creating stained glass art. With the Workhouse’s prime location in Fairfax, it’s not unusual for Sharon to arrive at her desk after a sunrise row on the Occoquan River, a perfect start to a productive day.
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Katie Crooks joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in October 2022 as the Director of Museum and Visitor Experience. In this role, Katie leads both the Visual Arts and Visitor Experience teams, ensuring the Workhouse Arts Center provides a welcoming, engaging environment where visitors can connect with art, history, and creativity. She also serves as a steward of the site’s rich history, integrating its unique past into all aspects of programming and campus experiences.With nearly 20 years of experience in the museum field, both in the U.S. and abroad, Katie brings a global perspective and deep expertise to her role. Her passion lies in connecting people to art and history, finding ways to align visitors' interests with the Workhouse’s offerings to create meaningful and memorable experiences.
Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art from Cornell College and a Master of Arts in Art History with a focus on museum application from The George Washington University. Her academic and professional background reflects a lifelong dedication to fostering connections between communities and cultural institutions.
Outside of Work, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband and young son at their home in Annandale, Virginia. She can often be found experimenting in her kitchen or curled up with a good book on her deck, savoring a quiet moment of creativity and reflection.
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Sarah Berry joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in December 2023 as the Exhibitions Manager. In this role, Sarah curates a dynamic and diverse slate of exhibitions, showcasing local, national, and international artists in the three fine arts galleries located in Building W-16. She also curates exhibitions for the Workhouse Theater lobby featuring Workhouse Studio Artists. She oversees off-site exhibitions and artwork loans, ensuring the Workhouse’s artistic impact reaches beyond campus walls.With over 25 years of experience as an arts administrator, Sarah has been dedicated to ensuring that art belongs everywhere, whether in formal arts settings or unexpected places. Her work is driven by a passion for making art accessible and relevant to the broader community.
Sarah holds an MS in Arts Administration from Boston University and a BA in Psychology with a minor in Art & Visual Technology from George Mason University.
Sarah’s leadership in the local arts community includes her work with Arts Fairfax, where she serves on the Fairfax County Master Arts Plan Task Force for Public Art and the served on the Artist Advisory Group for the Fairfax Regional Artist Survey.
As an artist herself, Sarah creates assemblage and mosaic, using upcycled, crowd-sourced materials, telling the story of what people make and what we leave behind. Her works have been exhibited in solo and group shows in the U.S. and France, are part of private collections, and have been published by The Smithsonian and The Boston Globe.
Sarah is currently a public art consultant and a budding mural painter, with several murals on view throughout Greater Washington.
www.smberry.com
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Ian Schmidt joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in January 2024 as the Director of the Glass and Ceramics Departments. Leading one of the region’s largest nonprofit centers for glass and ceramic arts, Ian oversees a growing range of programs designed to position the Workhouse as a leading incubator for the arts, fostering creativity, skill-building, and community engagement.With over 20 years of experience in the glass and ceramics industry, Ian brings unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of craft. He holds two terminal degrees in glass and ceramic arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.F.A. from Temple University, Tyler School of Art, where his thesis focused on 3D computer-aided design in ceramic arts.
As a second-generation glassblower trained in the Venetian tradition, Ian’s roots in the studio glass movement run deep. His father was one of the pioneers of the studio glass arts movement in the 1960s, and his mother managed a prominent glass production business in Toledo, Ohio—the birthplace of American studio glass.
Throughout his career, Ian has held numerous leadership and technical roles, including serving as a team leader for the Corning Museum of Glass, where he worked on Celebrity Cruise ships globally, delivering live glassblowing demonstrations to diverse audiences. As a product development specialist for a premier furniture and lighting company in Philadelphia, Ian spearheaded the construction of a 5,000-square-foot glassmaking facility and successfully facilitated the launch of multiple products to market. Most recently, in 2021, Ian served as the lead technician for the University of Wisconsin’s glass and ceramic programs, where he also implemented cutting-edge maker spaces featuring3D printing and CNC machine shops.
Ian’s work has been exhibited in private galleries along the East Coast, reflecting his commitment to craft and quality. His dedication to excellence informs his passion for creating above-par educational experiences in the classroom, where students are empowered to develop their skills and realize their artistic visions.
At the Workhouse Arts Center, Ian brings a vision of growth—establishing a space where artists of all levels can hone their craft, push creative boundaries, and contribute to a thriving artistic community.
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Merissa Anne Driscoll is the Theater and House Coordinator at The Workhouse Arts Center where she oversees the daily operations of the W3 Theater. Prior to accepting this role, the Workhouse had been her creative home since 2011, where she contributed to countless productions as a Music Director, performer, educator, and artist. With over 25 years of experience in the field of Performing Arts and Education, Merissa has helped make the Arts accessible to all levels of enthusiasts in her community. At the Workhouse Arts Center she engages with both performer and audience, ensuring their experience is one worth repeating.
Merissa also runs a private voice and piano teaching studio, catering to young people in the Arts. She holds a Bachelors of Music from Temple University and a certification in Music Education.
Fun Fact: Merissa creates the chalk art used to promote the staged productions in the W3 theater!
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Violetta Nagy joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in November 2024 as the Education Programs Assistant. In this role, Violetta supports the day-to-day operations of the Education Department, managing instructor contracting, class proposals, and scheduling to ensure seamless program delivery.With a strong background in visual arts and arts management, Violetta brings a wealth of organizational skills, research expertise, and effective communication to her position. Prior to transitioning to the Education Department, she spent over a year in Events and Rentals, where her customer service skills and dedication contributed to increased rentals and enhanced visibility for the Workhouse Arts Center.
Before joining the Workhouse, Violetta served as the Executive Director of the Vienna Choral Society, where she gained experience in arts leadership, community engagement, and program coordination.
Violetta holds a BA in Art and Visual Technology from George Mason University, where she cultivated her passion for connecting diverse audiences to the arts.
Outside of Work, Violetta enjoys both creating and experiencing art in its many forms—whether visual, musical, or theatrical. Her enthusiasm for the arts and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable member of the Workhouse team.
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Eileen Sheridan joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in September 2021 as the Special Assistant to the President/CEO and Board of Directors. In this role, Eileen provides critical support for Board meetings and ensures the smooth operation of executive-level initiatives. With nearly 40 years of experience in executive positions within the defense contracting industry, Eileen brings a wealth of knowledge, organizational expertise, and professionalism to the Workhouse team.Eileen earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from James Madison University. Her versatility and dedication extend beyond her primary role, as she often assists across a variety of departments, supporting the Workhouse’s mission to inspire and engage the community through the arts.
After her retirement, Eileen’s connection to the Workhouse Arts Center deepened when she transitioned from being a longtime supporter—shopping for unique gifts of art for family and friends—to becoming an integral part of the organization.
Outside of Work, Eileen enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors. Her commitment to excellence and passion for the arts make her a valued member of the Workhouse team.
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Karen Akers joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in January 2024 as the Director of Education. In this role, Karen oversees the development and implementation of a dynamic arts education program, which includes coordinating more than 300 classes annually and leading the impactful Workhouse Military Arts Initiative (WMAI). Her thoughtful planning and leadership ensure that Workhouse Arts Center’s educational offerings inspire creativity and serve a diverse community of learners.Prior to joining the Workhouse, Karen held administrative leadership roles in both higher education and the senior living industry, with positions at The George Washington University, Virginia Tech, and the Brookings Institution. This diverse experience has equipped her with the skills to lead complex programs, foster collaboration, and create meaningful learning opportunities.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Miami University and both a Master’s and Education Specialist (EdS) degree from George Washington University, reflecting her strong academic foundation and commitment to lifelong learning.
Karen lives in Vienna, Virginia, with her husband and enjoys having her two adult daughters close by. Outside of work, her passions include singing with the Vienna Choral Society, exploring global music, and cooking for the people she loves—a reflection of her joy in bringing people together through creativity and connection.
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A New Jersey native, Katie has lived in Northern VA for almost 15 years, after graduating from Montclair State University with a B.A. in Foreign Language Translation.Katie got her start in fundraising while in college, participating in endurance races and raising over $30,000 for causes to which she had a personal connection. She expanded on her fundraising experience while working for the Association of Legal Administrators in Washington, DC and managed a robust membership and partnership program. Katie was then hired to help run operations and special projects for the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Fund. Over five years, Katie served on RFP committees during the beginning stages of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center project, identifying prospective donors, and managing the Memorial’s Docent Program.
Katie has been with epiphany productions, inc. as the Vice President of Development since 2018, and works with numerous non-profits (both national and regional) helping them reach and exceed their funding goals, create strategic fundraising plans ranging from grassroots efforts to large-scale events, and research and solicit major donor procurement. Katie enjoys consulting with clients on how to better their organizations through management planning, fundraising strategy, and strategic partnerships.
Katie is passionate about the power of sports, mental health, youth development, and a strong advocate for women’s sports. In her free time, Katie is a former competitive triathlete and currently a world-ranked Strongwoman, having competed at both The Arnold Classic and Official Strongman Games.
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Ranjit Sidhu joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in March 2024 as the Director of Camps & Group Programs, bringing a unique blend of creative vision and business expertise to her role. Ranjit oversees a diverse array of programs, including team-building workshops, corporate retreats, art classes, birthday parties, school field trips, and Cub Scout events. Additionally, she plays a key role in managing the popular Spring and Summer Camps, ensuring that young artists have enriching and inspiring experiences.Ranjit holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Ceramic and Graphic Design and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Sculpture, providing her with a profound understanding of the artistic process. Complementing her artistic credentials, she also holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and has over 12 years of experience managing a human resources business and leading teams. Her rare combination of creative and operational expertise enables her to design programs that cultivate artistic expression while fostering teamwork and personal development.
Outside of work, Ranjit is an avid art enthusiast who enjoys traveling, biking, and spending time outdoors. Her dedication to creativity, leadership skills, and passion for fostering artistic growth make her an invaluable member of the Workhouse team.
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Ellen Smith is the Artist Liaison at the Workhouse Arts Center, serving as the creative bridge between the institution and its vibrant community of studio and gallery artists. Backed by two decades of experience across leadership and talent development, she pairs sharp strategy with genuine support to elevate creative communities.Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and music from the University of Tennessee. Her professional background includes impactful leadership roles at Amazon, where she pioneered initiatives that led to breakthrough promotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is committed to fostering diversity, innovation, and positive change in every community she serves.
An award-winning author, Ellen’s memoir Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker explores life’s detours with honesty and humor. Her personal journey reflects the same authenticity she brings to her professional role—grounded in connection, empathy, and resilience.
Outside of work, Ellen enjoys time with her husband, two daughters, and her demanding Coton de Tulears, Niles and Frasier. She lives across the street from her sister, and remains deeply rooted in the Northern Virginia community she proudly calls home.
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Kessler joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in January 2025 as the Ceramics Studio Manager. He oversees the daily operations of the studio, managing and organizing the development of the program and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the studio.Kessler moved to the US in 2019 to further his education far from his home, the island nation of Samoa. He majored in studio art with an emphasis in Ceramics in Illinois, where he finished his undergraduate and graduate studies in 2023. He moved to northern Virginia later in the same year to begin his career in the arts, where he started teaching ceramics to all ages at a studio in Vienna and managing its operation, and has had the opportunity to showcase his work within deluxe places in the city of Fairfax like Tyson’s Corner and the Mosaic District.
Apart from creating art and community through clay, Kessler enjoys building relationships with people, going to social events, having major adventures in the outdoors, and has a passion for design, may it be cars, clothes, or ceramic pots. He also loves going to Church and is always fascinated by the realm of the supernatural and its hidden treasures of knowledge.
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Sky oversees the outreach, coordination, and execution of special/on-campus events that take place in the various rental spaces on campus. She ensures exceptional customer service and high-touch follow-through and care for all patrons, partners, and visitors.Prior to joining the Workhouse, Sky attended the University of Mary Washington, where she graduated from in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communications. During her time in college, she created a comic convention called Eagle Con. From there, she led the creation and development of three unique seasonal events (of the “Comic-Con” influence), each growing in size and attendance over time. Her passion for events truly blossomed during this time as she enjoyed seeing the look of happiness and joy on guests' faces as they explored the venues decorated with celebrities and vendors from their favorite pop culture franchises.
Outside of work, Sky spends her time with family. She can also be found curled up crocheting or playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends.
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Bweleka Yamikani rejoined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in July 2024 as the Revenue and Payroll Accountant.With over 12 years of experience in accounting, Bweleka brings invaluable expertise to Workhouse's finance operations, financial systems, and human resources. Her ability to build meaningful relationships with artists and other stakeholders is a tremendous asset to the organization. As a returning team member, her dedication and passion for Workhouse shine through, exemplifying her commitment to its mission.
Bweleka holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Oregon University and an MBA in Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management, equipping her with a strong foundation to excel in her field.
Outside of work, Bweleka is an avid explorer who loves immersing herself in new cultures and cuisines. She resides in Centerville, Virginia, with her two daughters and her beloved cat, Dog. A Sci-Fi enthusiast at heart, she enjoys delving into the genre's imaginative worlds. However, her greatest passion lies in her work with ultra-poor children and youth in Zambia's Copperbelt Province, where she dedicates her time and energy to creating meaningful change.
Bweleka’s expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment make her an indispensable part of the WAF team.
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Jay Loy joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in January 2024 as the Museum Coordinator for the Lucy Burns Museum. In this role, Jay ensures the seamless daily operation of the museum, overseeing the maintenance of the collection, curating thoughtful exhibitions, and engaging with visitors to share the rich and important history housed within the Workhouse Arts Center.With four years of experience in the museum field, Jay has held positions in exhibitions, collections management, and public engagement, bringing a well-rounded skill set and a passion for connecting audiences to history. Their ability to balance behind-the-scenes precision with meaningful visitor experiences helps bring the museum’s stories to life.
Jay holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree in museum studies from George Washington University, further strengthening their expertise in preserving and presenting cultural narratives.
Outside of Work, Jay is a dedicated photographer, enjoys playing board games, and loves experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. Their creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to historical preservation make them a valued member of the Workhouse team.
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Ameha Workineh joined the Workhouse Arts Foundation (WAF) in March 2024 as a dedicated Accountant. In this role, Ameha oversees the accuracy and efficiency of Accounts Payable operations, ensuring seamless financial processes that support the foundation’s day-to-day operations. He brings extensive expertise in accounting systems, including QuickBooks and NetSuite, to streamline workflows and maintain financial precision.Prior to joining the Workhouse Arts Foundation, Ameha spent decades honing his skills in the accounting departments of renowned NGOs such as World Vision, FHI, and Project HOPE, where he contributed to the effective financial management of mission-driven organizations.
Ameha holds a degree in Accounting from Unity University and is passionate about continued learning and professional development to stay at the forefront of evolving financial practices.
Outside of Work, Ameha enjoys swimming and reding books. His attention to detail, reliability, and dedication makes him an invaluable part of the WAF team.
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Hello everyone! My name is Victoria and I am an award-winning graphic designer with a degree from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. My 15+ year design career has ranged from editorial and advertising design to video and motion graphics in both the nonprofit and private sectors. I am a former theater kid, self-taught fine artist and an avid listener of podcasts. I continue to make art in my free time (ha!), specifically painting, drawing and creating paper-based mixed media canvases. As a former Lorton resident, I am familiar with the Workhouse history and mission, and am excited to be able to help elevate this powerful place of inspiration, creativity and community. Stop by to chat and let me know how I can help you achieve your future Workhouse goals!
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Maha Momtaz joined the Education Department at the Workhouse Arts Center in 2025 as an Education Coordinator. In this role, she supports class planning and scheduling for upcoming quarters, collaborating with instructors to enhance teaching strategies, and assisting with execution of the Workhouse’s camp programs.
Before stepping into her current role, Maha served as the Lead Camp Counselor for the Workhouse’s Summer Camp Program. During that time, she worked closely with the counselors to strengthen team collaboration and professional development. She was dedicated to fostering a creative, inclusive, and supportive environment for all campers, encouraging their artistic growth and confidence. Maha also utilized her background in art curation to organize and curate weekly art exhibitions showcasing the campers’ work for families and visitors.
Maha holds a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from the University of Mary Washington, where she led art workshops for both art and non-art majors to promote interdisciplinary collaboration. She also founded and managed the Melchers Zine Library and participated in the department’s annual Valentine’s Day Print Exchange. In addition, Maha was heavily involved in Student Affairs during her time at UMW, bringing in her experience working with all types of students. She is known for her attention to detail, strong communication skills, flexibility, and commitment to supporting students’ needs.
Outside of her professional work, Maha spends her time in her studio creating collages, zines, and prints. She also enjoys teaching art classes within her community and sharing her love of cooking with friends.
Maha’s passion for offering accessible forms of art and her liveliness makes her an essential part of the Workhouse Art Center Team.
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Local to Woodbridge, VA, Ryan spent five years on active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard. During his time as a Damage Controlman (DC2), he specialized in land-based operations, focusing on facilities and housing support. He has since transitioned to the Coast Guard Select Reserves to pursue his Associate’s degree in Construction Management at Northern Virginia Community College. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and drawing.