2026 Governing Board Election
Meet the Candidates
Eighteen MCC District Residents Have Qualified to Run for Seats on McLean Community Center’s Governing Board
Four Adult, Two Youth Positions Available
McLean Community Center (MCC) has certified 18 MCC Tax district residents, twelve adults and six teens, to run for seats on the McLean Community Center Governing Board. The all-volunteer Board provides oversight of MCC through policy guidance, strategic planning and financial stewardship. MCC programs and facilities include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (The Alden) and the Old Firehouse Center. MCC is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.
Absentee Early Voting
Absentee Early Voting begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, at MCC. Residents may vote early during the Absentee Early Voting Period at MCC or by mail. To request ballots for your household, you may fill out an online request form, phone 703-744-9348 or send an email to elections@mcleancenter.org by May 1 at 5p.m. Please indicate how many adult or youth ballots are needed for your household. The requested ballots will be mailed to your home. The package will include a pre-addressed return envelope for each ballot. A signed affidavit must accompany each completed ballot. Please mail or drop off your ballot to McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, Va. 22101. Absentee Voting will end on Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. and all absentee ballots must be received at MCC to be counted.
Four adult positions and two youth positions are open this year. The adult candidates who receive the three-highest vote counts will serve three-year (3) terms; the adult candidate who receives the fourth highest vote counts will serve the two-year unexpired term. Youth candidates, one from the McLean High School boundary area and one from the Langley High School boundary area, will serve one-year (1) terms. Youth candidates do not have to attend these schools to serve on the board.
In-Person Voting Opportunities
After Absentee Voting concludes, residents of MCC Tax district may vote in person:
McLean Day Carnival Rides
Friday, May 15, 4-8 p.m.
Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd.
McLean Day Festival
Saturday, May 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Rd.
Qualification to Vote
- You must be a resident of the McLean Community Center Tax district ; however, you need not be registered to vote in the general election. Tax district residents (property owners, renters, occupants) are eligible to vote.
- ADULT VOTERS: You must be at least 18 years old on McLean Day, Saturday, May 16, to vote for adult candidates (born on or before May 16, 2008).
- YOUTH VOTERS: You must be 15 through 17 years old on McLean Day, Saturday, May 16, to vote for youth candidates (born May 17, 2008 to May 16, 2011). Youth voters may vote for one candidate from each of the two high school boundary areas: McLean or Langley high schools. You must live within a boundary area but need not attend the school.
Adult Candidates' Personal Statements
"Mrs. B" Rebecca Czarniecki
I am better known as “Mrs. B.” of Tea with Mrs. B R As an 18-year resident, I am delighted to offer my skills to the community now. Over the years, I have built a successful hospitality business centered on bringing people together through meaningful events. I would like to bring that same energy, collaboration, and creativity to the MCC to create welcoming experiences that connect neighbors and strengthen families. Serving on the board would also model civic involvement for my 15- and 7-year-old children and other children. I am honored to have your vote of confidence for this exciting new opportunity!
Email: MrsBforMCC@gmail.com
Carlton G. Hemingway
I am a dedicated educator with 20+ years of progressive experience in teaching, educational administration, non-profit leadership, and community outreach. I have a strong background in grant writing, volunteer coordination, and educational/community program evaluation. With deep roots in community learning, I bring a unique perspective. I understand the challenges facing today’s community organizations and have practical solutions drawn from years of hands-on experience. I served as Executive Director of the Dan River Alliance for Arts and Culture (Danville, VA) and as a Board Member for the Danville Area Association for Arts and Humanities (Danville, VA).
Kavitha Ness
Running for the McLean Community Center Governing Board is meaningful and exciting to me. Our family, with children at Churchill and Cooper, has enjoyed many MCC programs, and I’ve seen how they bring people together. With more than 25 years as a marketing executive, most recently at SiriusXM, I’ve led innovative events and programming while managing budgets responsibly. I have also volunteered with community organizations in Washington, DC, helping plan and execute neighborhood arts and music festivals. I would be honored to bring my leadership, creativity, and community spirit to help MCC continue offering engaging programs for residents of all ages.
Email: kavithaness.mcc@gmail.com
Minoo Razavi
A McLean resident for five years, and a DMV native, I put in the civic effort to make the change I want to see. Our MCC is a unique public space with potential to be more integral in strengthening local identity benefiting young, middle-aged, and old in all walks of life. My mission: increased relevancy to broader demographics, increased facility utilization, and alignment with local non-profit and for-profit entities. Success is when I no longer need to explain what the MCC is to a local! I also volunteer with McLean MOMS and serve as Communications Chair for the McLean Revitalization Corporation.
Email: minoo.razavi@georgetown.edu
Christopher Roberts
I was born and raised in McLean. I’ve attended school, gone to church, and worked my first jobs all right here in Fairfax County. I have experience working in government at both the federal and local levels and have volunteered for numerous groups and organizations. Service is a passion of mine, and I would like to continue giving back through the McLean Community Center. As a member of the MCC Board, I will re-engage the McLean community and improve outreach to all our residents. I want to keep seeing both new and familiar faces at the Community Center!
Email: roberts4board@gmail.com
Daveeda "Dove" Shaheen
The McLean Community Center and I grew up together; born as its foundation was being laid in the 70’s, this bond is deeply personal: I’ve even graced the Alden stage as an actress and consider it the most beautiful theater in the DMV. My roots span Forestwood and Old Dominion, giving me a unique 'triple-anchor' perspective on our heritage. I am running for the Governing Board because the MCC is the heartbeat of our connection. It is where we give back, grow together and value tradition as much as innovation. Not just a stepping stone; but our cornerstone. I am here for McLean.
Email: daveedas@gmail.com
Pascale Siegel
For 28 years, I have been an active McLean citizen. Our three children thrived here thanks to public education, sports leagues, and the diverse, affordable programming at the MCC. My commitment to our community and volunteer service is extensive, including serving as Chair of the Westgate Child Center board and 8 years on the McLean High School Band board. On the MCC board, I will foster deeper ties between the community and the center, ensure diverse communities feel welcome and represented, and use my experience on Westgate’s board to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely in line with best practices.
Email: pascaleformcc@gmail.com
Michael Signer
I’m running to promote an inclusive, accessible, accountable MCC. I live in Franklin Park with my wife Emily and our twin 11 year-old boys, who attend Chesterbrook. I grew up in Arlington, attending public schools. We previously lived in Charlottesville, where I served as Mayor. We returned to Northern Virginia in 2023. I’m currently Chief Policy and Legal Officer at EverDriven. Previously, I was an executive at Airbnb and WillowTree, and a lawyer to Governor Mark Warner and at WilmerHale. I volunteer at SHARE and McLean Little League and went to Princeton, UVA Law, and Berkeley. For more, see: www.michaelsigner.com
Email: mike.signer.mcc@gmail.com
Martin F. Smith
The MCC serves McLean residents well – and I want to help it do even more, without increasing taxes. I’ve served on the McLean Citizens Association Board since 2016, previously as Trustee of the McLean Community Foundation and Chair of my son’s Scout Troop Committee. Living here since 1972, I’m grateful that three generations of my family call it home. I’ve lived in a townhouse, a single-family home, and now a downtown McLean apartment – giving me a broad perspective on how neighbors at every stage of life experience our community. I’ll bring that and my governance experience to the MCC Board.
Email: Martin4mcc26@gmail.com
Michael Solomon
MCC is a wonderful center for community enrichment, in an inclusive family-friendly environment. My family and I are long-time McLean residents who continue to benefit from community programs offered by the MCC. It would be an honor to give back. My career as an attorney has been in public service, most recently at the Federal Reserve Board. Along the way, my personal focus became negotiation and collaboration. I am trained in mediation and currently serve on the Board, as Treasurer, of the NVMS (Northern Virginia Mediation Service) Conflict Resolution Center.
Email: solomds.mcc@gmail.com
Noah Teates
I’m running for the MCC Governing Board because I’d like to give a little bit back to the community that has helped me raise my son through Churchill Road, Cooper and now halfway through Langley. I spent my career at the intersection of government and STEM as a storyteller, and I would love to help MCC encourage programming in those areas. Outside my professional commitments, my interests range from books and film to applying new technologies to old cars, usually shoulder-to-shoulder with my son and his friends. I thank you all for your consideration.
Email: VoteForTeates@gmail.com
Tim Zhao
My family and I have proudly called McLean home since 2016. Like many families in our community, we value the parks, libraries, and programs that bring neighbors together and create opportunities for young people to grow. For the past eight years, I have worked with local families and students through youth art and leadership programs, teaching more than 100 students each week. As a Commissioner for the Virginia Commission for the Arts and co-founder of community education initiatives, I have organized public art exhibitions, student programs, and events across Fairfax County. If elected, I will strengthen programs that inspire youth and support families.
Email: Timzhaomcc@gmail.com
Youth Candidates' Personal Statements — Langley High School Boundary Area
Bryn Smith
My name is Bryn Smith and I am a sophomore at Langley High School. I aim to utilize my leadership and event-planning skills to recommend policies which will appeal to the community. As the Co-Director of Art and Outreach for the Dolley Madison Library’s Teen Advisory Board and as an MCC Youth Ambassador, I have organized events geared towards McLean youth. As an FCPS Student Summit Planning Committee Member, I have represented Langley students. As a Youth Governing Board candidate, I strive to use the skills I have gained from these experiences to promote enriching programs for teenagers.
Email: BrynforMCCYGB@gmail.com
Rayan (Ray) Zand Husain
Real change starts when someone stops waiting and starts doing. McLean is currently thriving, but youth engagement is limited. I am Ray Zand Husain, a junior at BASIS Independent McLean and a life-long McLean resident, ready to act from day one. I don’t just see problems, I solve them: I founded a peer support group for sixth to eighth graders to reduce academic stress, successfully involving high school mentors. I have also spent nearly three years as a Red Cross screening coordinator, providing service opportunities to over 100 youth and creating new opportunities involving more students. Change starts with action!
Email: rayzandhusain@gmail.com
Youth Candidates' Personal Statements — McLean High School Boundary Area
Subeen Byeon
Passion, dedication and service are the three core values that drive me and have shaped the person I am today. Serving on the Governing Board would not only allow me to showcase these aspects but allow myself to establish real-world experience with decision-making and management. As an outreach team director of a youth-led musical nonprofit organization, I have organized donations drives, concerts, and holiday events, reflecting team effort and creative approach. I believe this position would deepen my passion towards volunteer service and allow me to bridge the gap between residents’ voices and effective policy, ensuring improved lives for all.
Email: sbyeon1126@gmail.com
Alex Ham
My name is Alex Ham. I am a sophomore at McLean High School, a member of McLean’s volleyball and lacrosse teams, and orchestra. I’ve held various leadership positions since elementary school and volunteer my time as a McLean youth volleyball coach and at local organizations, such as POWER Play Kids. Having been involved in many MCC programs and knowing the important role MCC plays in our community, I now want to give back. By serving on the board, I will give a greater voice to the youth/teens and create specific programs to ensure we have a stronger connection to MCC and the overall community.
Email: alexanderham.mcc@gmail.com
Ishaan Jain
I am Ishaan Jain, a sophomore at McLean High School, and I’m running for the MCC Governing Board. Having lived in McLean my whole life, this community has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am. I have always been involved in advocacy, through raising student voices and Fairfax Student Human Rights Commission where I strive to represent and uplift student perspectives. I hope to be able to bring the same level of charisma to the MCC Board, where I will ensure youth voices continue to be heard in our community, just like our very own Highlanders!
Email: ishaanj0219@gmail.com
Yingxi (Gisele) Zhao
My name is Yingxi (Gisele) Zhao, and I’m a sophomore at McLean High School. I love bringing students together to make a positive impact in our community. As founder of the Everyday Heroes youth club, I’ve helped organize projects like Earth Day activities and environmental initiatives with Fairfax County Park Authority. I would be honored to represent student voices on the MCC Governing Board and encourage more young people to get involved, lead projects, and help make McLean an even stronger community.
Email: Yingxizhaomcc@gmail.com
Write-in Candidates are allowed. Write-in candidates must receive at least 10 votes from 10 residents of the Center’s tax district in order to have their votes counted. For youth write-in candidates, the 10 votes must come from teens who live within the same high school boundary area as the candidate.
Absentee Early Voting:
Absentee Early Voting begins on Wednesday, April 1 ay 9 a.m.. Residents may vote in-person at MCC or by mail.
Absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
District residents may vote in person at the center up until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 8.
In-Person Voting:
In-Person voting for 2026 Governing Board members will be conducted in the voting tent from 4-8 p.m. at McLean Day Carnival Rides on Friday, May 15, and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on McLean Day, Saturday, May 16 at Lewinsville Park. The park is located at 1659 Chain Bridge Rd.
For more information, call the Center at 703-744-9348, TTY: 711, or email elections@mcleancenter.org.
