Board of Directors
The Board of Directors have very defined roles and responsibilities within the Chamber of Commerce. Essentially, it is the role of the board of directors to hire the President/CEO and assess the overall direction and strategy of the Chamber.
The Primary Role of the Board is as follows:
- Recruiting, supervising, retaining, evaluating and compensating the President/CEO is probably the most important function of the board of directors.
- The board has a strategic function in providing the vision, mission and goals of the organization. These are often determined in combination with the President/CEO of the Chamber.
- The board has the responsibility of developing a governance system for the business. The articles of governance provide a framework but the board develops a series of policies.
- The governance system involves how the board interacts with the President/CEO.
- The board has a fiduciary responsibility to represent and protect the member’s/investor’s interest in the company. So the board has to make sure the assets of the company are kept in good order.
To learn how to get involved, click here or contact the Chamber at mailbox@fauquierchamber.org
Dawn Arruda
Chairperson
Dawn Arruda, Chair of Chamber 2024 is a seasoned real estate professional with a remarkable 17-year career specializing in helping clients sell their homes. Dawn is a 3rd generation Real Estate Professional and works with Ross Real Estate in Warrenton, VA. As a longtime resident of Fauquier County, former business owner and a Military Veteran, Dawn used these experiences to build a reputation of honesty and integrity, that is unsurpassed.
Dawn’s comprehensive understanding and insider knowledge empower sellers on how to navigate the complexities of preparing their homes and the journey that lies ahead. Dawn’s dedication and outstanding performance have garnered multiple awards, including 12 consecutive years as a top producer and the prestigious Realtor of the Year title in 2020. These accolades highlight her commitment to achieving exceptional results for her clients. Dawn prides herself on her compassion for the process and for her clients and goes above and beyond to help them through one of life’s most stressful events.
Dawn is an active community supporter for several organizations. She is also a member of the Warrenton Rotary Club and currently serving as Chair - Board of Directors for the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. Dawn was awarded the Realtor of the Year in 2020 by GPR and was appointed to serve on the Fauquier Board of Equalization by The Honorable Circuit Court Judge, Jeffrey W. Parker in 2018.
Priscilla Hottle
Chair Elect
Priscilla Hottle is the President & CEO of Hottle and Associates, an Independent Insurance Agency located in Northern Virginia. Hottle has offices in Warrenton, VA and is currently celebrating their 15th Anniversary.
Hottle has expertise in the placement of General Business & Health Insurance, Professional Liability protection, Crime, Bonding, Cyber Liability and Directors and Officers protection for select clients. The agency currently represents a number of mid-size to large firms in the DC Metro area. In addition, the firm provides Personal Insurance protection to middle market and high net worth individuals throughout their footprint.
Hottle is the former Chairman of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Founder of the Women’s Business Council, Former President (and first woman) of Intersure – a group of the most prominent insurance firms in the US.
Hottle is the Past Chairman of ARM International, a group of 220 partners in an insurance network across the country. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of IIAV, the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia and served as Chairman in 2022. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Women’s Business Council and the Finance Committee for the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce.
Formerly Hottle was the President of USI DC Metro, one of the largest Insurance Brokers in the Country. Prior to USI, Hottle was the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer of Patterson/Smith Associates, one of the top regional insurance agencies in the metropolitan Washington area. In that role, she served on many carrier advisory boards and agent councils.
Ray Knott
Atlantic Union Bank Chair of the Board
Ray Knott
Immediate Past Chair
Ray is the Market President for the Northern Virginia Region at Atlantic Union Bank, leading the commercial banking team for several counties and cities including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Alexandria. With over 33 years in the banking industry, Ray holds a B.S. in Business Administration - Finance from Longwood University and has graduated from both the VBA School of Bank Management at the University of Virginia and the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. In 2022, Virginia Business Magazine named him one of Virginia’s 100 People to Meet.
Ray has been a Chamber Board member in a number of capacities including two terms as Chairman and currently serves as the Immediate Past Chair. He believes it's crucial to the economic prosperity of Fauquier for businesses to have access to the resources and support needed to help their businesses grow and reach their full potential.
In addition to his roles with the Chamber, Ray continues to remain deeply involved in his community and serves on a number of other Boards to include the Culpeper Wellness Foundation, the PATH Foundation, GO Virginia Council for Region 9, and Lead Virginia.
In his free time, Ray enjoys staying active, golfing, and both offshore and inshore fishing.
Rebecca Segal
Treasurer
A strategic healthcare leader specializing in transformational change, organizational culture, and service line development with focus on operations and quality care, Rebecca Segal joined Fauquier Health in late 2022 after more than a decade of hospital leadership experience around the country. A native Virginian, she grew up in Fredericksburg and has strong ties to the Northern Virginia area.
Since arriving, her primary focus has been on patient care, specifically quality and safety. As a leader, Rebecca understands that in order to take exceptional care of patients, the culture of a healthcare system must take exceptional care of its staff. Initiatives to improve the culture have resulted in a 30% increase in employee engagement scores. Quality improvements include no patient fall-related injuries in more than 14 months, no pressure injuries in over a year and a significant reduction in harms, including infections. These improvements were recently recognized by the Leapfrog Organization, which gave Fauquier Health an A grade for patient safety.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington and a Master of Health Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2017, she was named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “Rising Stars: 60 Healthcare Leaders Under 40.” She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Rebecca lives in Fauquier County with her husband and two Boykin Spaniels.
Carmen Rivera
Secretary
Carmen Rivera is our local State Farm Agent who has been serving the residents of Fauquier County and surrounding areas for over 7 years. She first started with State Farm over 24 years ago and is dedicated to helping her customers achieve their dreams and protect them from unexpected events. Carmen and her Team of Insurance Professionals have over 31 years of combined experience. They love to be out in the community supporting our Fauquier County Schools, our Veterans & Law Enforcement, and several of our local Non-Profit organizations. During her tenure, she has received numerous awards including State Farm’s Honor Club and Ambassador Travel, Lifestyle’s Best of Fauquier, the Fauquier Times Reader’s Choice Award and the 2021 Fauquier Chamber’s Businessperson of the Year.
Before opening her agency doors, Carmen recognized the importance of having constant and reliable resources available to be successful in her business. That's why she joined the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce in September 2016. She saw the Chamber as an excellent way to network and establish relationships with other business owners.
Through her involvement with the Chamber, Carmen has been able to connect with other professionals and even received her first opportunity to quote a business at the very first Membership Luncheon she attended. She has served on the Board and Executive Committee in various roles and continues to be a sponsor for many Chamber Events. Carmen is passionate about seeing the Business Community succeed. She believes in helping others achieve their goals and knows that by local Businesses succeed, the residents of Fauquier will thrive as well.
On a personal note, Carmen is married to LTC Felix Rivera, US Army (Ret). She has two children, two bonus children, and four grandchildren. Spending time with her family and enjoying God's blessings brings her the greatest joy!
Lorna Magill
Vice Chair EDLA
Lorna Magill is an accomplished finance and operations leader dedicated to empowering individuals and business owners to maximize their financial resources and achieve their desired lifestyle. With a distinguished career spanning various industries, Lorna has held prestigious roles including the first CFO of the PATH Foundation, government consultant, fractional CFO/Controller, and business owner. Her diverse experience showcases her versatility and commitment to excellence.
Lorna was elected as a member of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce in 2020 and has served on the Finance Committee, the Governance & Nominating Committee, the Executive Committee and is currently the Chair of the Economic Development & Legislative Affairs Committee.
Lorna feels that serving on the Board provides the opportunity to influence local business growth, network with key stakeholders and enhance her leadership impact. She feels that the role offers her personal and professional development while making a positive community impact.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Lorna is an adventure enthusiast and avid traveler, she is currently preparing for a 100-mile hike across England. You can follow her adventure on Facebook on The 500 Mile Supernovas group.
She cherishes quality time with her three sons, husband, and friends. A passionate reader, Lorna is always seeking new challenges and opportunities for personal growth and learning.
Angie Thomas
Angie is the Manager, Forecasting, NERC Compliance and Business Systems at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) and has amassed over 30 years of electric utility experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management and a Master of business administration with a concentration in finance. Angie has been a proud resident of Fauquier County for over 34 years.
Benjamin Musser
Benjamin is an experienced residential REALTOR® at Century 21 New Millenium and expertly represents sellers, buyers, tenants, and landlords in Fauquier and surrounding counties.
Starting his career in the industry at just 17, Benjamin has developed a deep understanding of the real estate business, consistently delivering successful results and essential peace of mind to his clients. Central to Benjamin's approach is his ability to empathetically assess his clients' needs and craft comprehensive solutions that lead to optimal outcomes. He takes pride in exceeding his fiduciary duties and continues to serve as a valuable resource for his clients long after the transaction is complete.
Beyond his career, Benjamin loves to serve the Fauquier business community. Since 2023, he has proudly served as a member of the Fauquier Chamber Board of Directors. Additionally, he chairs the Fauquier Chamber Young Professionals Council, a dynamic network nurturing the county’s emerging business leaders.
In his spare time, Benjamin enjoys cooking, particularly dishes featuring truffles, hiking, and volunteering in various community activities.
Caitlin Adkins
Caitlin Adkins, a life coach and professional organizer, is the visionary force behind Spaces Organized & Styled, LLC, a prominent Holistic Residential Organizing Company that is revolutionizing the concept of tidiness and harmony in living spaces. Her passion for helping individuals and families achieve lasting and transformative results through organizing is the driving force behind her remarkable success.
As an expert in the field, Caitlin firmly believes that true organization goes beyond merely decluttering physical spaces; it involves nurturing the whole individual. With her unique and personalized approach, she strives to create environments that promote emotional well-being, mental clarity, and overall life satisfaction.
Caitlin's profound dedication to her craft is evident through her diverse and extensive certifications. She holds credentials in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a therapeutic method that addresses emotional challenges and fosters self-awareness. Additionally, she is a practitioner of Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), Breathwork Facilitator, TIME Techniques, Life and Success Coaching, and Clinical Hypnosis. These valuable tools enable her to work closely with clients to identify underlying issues and provide comprehensive solutions to achieve sustainable organization.
Her academic prowess is equally impressive, boasting a Master's Degree in Legal Studies from the prestigious Washington University School of Law. This background adds a strategic edge to her approach as she navigates complexities and streamlines processes to create well-organized and functional spaces.
With an unwavering commitment to her client's well-being, Caitlin invests time in truly understanding their unique needs, lifestyles, and aspirations. Her empathetic nature and exceptional communication skills foster a strong sense of trust and collaboration with those she works with, making her an invaluable partner on the journey to a more organized life.
Caitlin's dedication to the holistic approach extends beyond her professional life. She actively engages in community outreach programs, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds to enhance their lives through organization and personal development.
Through Spaces Organized & Styled, LLC, Caitlin Adkins continues to redefine the significance of residential organizing. Her clients benefit from a harmonious, efficient, and uplifting living environment that not only brings order but also rejuvenates their spirit and ignites a newfound sense of purpose. Caitlin's passion, expertise, and commitment to the holistic organization make her a true trailblazer in her field, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of all who are fortunate enough to work with her.
Al Penksa
After managing commercial construction projects for over a decade, I thoughtfully decided to take my career in a new direction. A long-budding passion for personal finance and the intricate planning it takes to achieve true, lasting wealth spurred me to become a financial advisor. That decision has been one of the best I've ever made.
I soundly believe that the truly awesome life encompasses three things – Spiritual Health, Physical Health and Financial Health. Now, while my family and I attend a fantastic church regularly – I probably won't be your first choice for pastor. And, while I focus on clean eating and hitting the gym when I can – you will probably want your health advice from a professional who hasn't packed on a few pounds since his college soccer days. This leaves us with Financial Health – and leads us to beginning our deep relationship on the journey though financial health and success – focused on you!
Outside of work, you'll find me with my wife, Brittany, and our two wonderful children, Brinnley and Brooks. We've called Warrenton home since 2015, and we love spending time outside, in the community and at our church. I still love to build and can usually be found working on some ongoing house project while balancing family and work, too!
Gloria Williams
Gloria has been the Firm Administrator for Mark B. Williams & Associates for over 20 years. In that position she has acted as CFO as well as head of human resources and marketing.
After graduating from James Madison University, Gloria began her professional career as a social worker and later made a career change to advertising sales. Both positions provided an excellent background to prepare her to run the business end of her husband’s law practice.
Since 1990 Mark B. Williams & Associates has thrived in the Warrenton/Fauquier community. As a result, Gloria has led the firm’s dedicated efforts to give back to this community which has provided a wonderful place to live and work. From little league baseball teams to non-profits helping underprivileged families and foster children, the firm contributes whenever possible.
Gloria has been an active member of The Fauquier Chamber of Commerce and taken leadership roles in the Women’s Business Council and the Valor Awards. In January of 2024 she began serving on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
Doug Parsons
Douglas James Parsons has served as the Fauquier County Economic Development Director since October 2024. Prior to that time, Mr. Parsons’ professional experience includes Executive Director of the Lewis County, West Virginia Economic Development Authority; Town of Leesburg, Virginia, Economic Development Department Business Development Manager; Virginia Economic Development Partnership Business Manager for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program; and Executive Director of the Industrial Development Authority of Front Royal/Warren County, Virginia. Overall, Mr. Parsons has more than a 30-year career in economic development.
Doug earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Advertising from West Virginia University in 1990. Mr. Parsons’ professional certifications and training include Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Council; International Economic Development Council courses in career-related subjects; Leadership West Virginia Class of 2002; and Certified Project Administrator through the West Virginia Infrastructure & Jobs Development Council. In 2019, Mr. Parsons was named by Virginia Business Magazine as one of the Top 100 People to Meet.
As the Fauquier County Economic Development Director, Mr. Parsons is responsible for attracting, developing, and directing the industrial, economic, business and tourism activities of the County.