Hopkins House Community Stakeholders Hold 87th Annual Meting

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Hopkins House Community Stakeholders gathered Saturday, September 19, for their Annual Meeting at the site of the organization’s new Kingstowne Preschool Academy in Fairfax County, Virginia. This was the organization’s 87th Annual Meeting since it was founded in 1939.

The gathering marked the first in-person meeting of the Hopkins House Community Stakeholders since the start of the coronavirus epidemic in 2019. Among other governance responsibilities, the Community Stakeholders — individuals who contribute $100 or more to Hopkins House — must convene annually to elect Trustees and Board officers.

“The return of our Community Stakeholders to an in-person Annual Meeting is especially important,” said James Banks, Jr., Board Chair. “Coming together in the same space builds connections and helps ensure that the community remains directly engaged in the governance and future direction of this historic institution.”

Hopkins House President and CEO, J. Glenn Hopkins, reported to the Community Stakeholders on the organization’s financial health (“We are strong but not unaffected by a challenging economic and political environment.”) and impact on the local community, including its work to advance early childhood education, strengthen families, and support the development of the early childhood educator workforce.

State Delegate Delivers Keynote Address

Trustee and Virginia House Delegate Charniele Herring delivered the keynote address at the Annual Meeting, discussing Virginia public policy matters related to childcare, housing, and access to healthcare. Herring represents Virginia’s 4th House District, encompassing portions of Fairfax County and the City of Alexandria, and currently serves as House Majority Leader.

In responding to questions about the impact on Virginia’s economy of federal job losses, cuts in aid programs, and other federal policies, Herring encouraged Community Stakeholders to share their views with the Governor about the need to protect and grow funding in the state budget for childcare, housing, healthcare access, and other public policy priorities affecting children and families. She noted that public participation is a formal part of Virginia’s budget process, which includes public hearings as the General Assembly considers spending priorities and amendments.

Former Board Chair Recognized

Attending the meeting was former Board Chair Robert Bogan. He was recognized by the Community Stakeholders for his many years of dedicated service and significant contributions to Hopkins House. 

Bogan was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2001 and, in 2007, elected Board Chair, serving in that leadership role until his retirement as Chair in 2010. Established during his tenure as Board Chair, he is considered the “father” of the Early Childhood Learning Institute, an innovative Hopkins House program tasked with helping to strengthen and expand the early childhood educator workforce in the region.

Two New Trustees Elected

The Community Stakeholders elected nine distinguished individuals to two-year terms as Trustees in the Class of 2028. Seven incumbent Trustees — Shaun Amend, Debra Arnett, James L. Banks, Jr., Beverly Barr, Helen Clemens, Robert Hicks, and Jesse O’Connell — were reelected.

Also elected to the Class of 2028 are two new trustees, Vance Davis and Mary Lee. Both bring valuable professional experience and community engagement to the board. Residents of the District of Columbia and Maryland, respectively, their election reflects Hopkins House’s growing regional interests.  

Davis, a retired federal government employee with a background in public service, holds a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and is active in several community and educational organizations, including serving on the Trustees’ Scholarships & Recognitions Committee. 

Lee is a professor and consultant at George Washington University, where she earned her doctoral degree, and brings extensive experience in higher education and consulting to the Board; she currently serves on the Trustees’ Community Outreach & Marketing Committee. 

These nine newly elected members to the Trustee Class of 2028 join the five incumbent Trustee members of the Class of 2027: Elizabeth Partoyan, Jahreem Edwards, Julie Jakopic, Immediate Past Board Chair; Virginia House Delegate Charniele Herring; and Jeanne Williams. Together with President and CEO J. Glenn Hopkins, this year’s elections bring the Board of Trustees to 14 members.

Board Leadership Retained

In a vote reflecting their desire to maintain continuity in the organization’s governance, the Community Stakeholders reelected the current Board officers to another one-year term. James L. Banks, Jr. continues as Board Chair, a role he has held since 2019; Harry “Bud” Hart remains Vice Chair, a position he has held since 2017; Elizabeth Partoyan was reelected Secretary, a role she has served in since 2017; and Jesse O’Connell continues as Treasurer, a position he has held since 2022.

“In addition to institutional continuity, this gathering also gave us an opportunity to recognize the important work of our Trustees and policy committees,” said Banks in highlighting the work of the Board’s six standing policy committees – Budget & Personnel Policy, Community Outreach & Marketing, Public Policy & Advocacy, Programs & Assessment, Scholarships & Recognitions, and Executive. 

Community Stakeholders Tour New Academy

The meeting also provided an opportunity to introduce the leaders of Hopkins House’s three Preschool Academies: Dr. Justin Thomas, Helen Day Preschool Academy in Alexandria; Mr. Charles Crabtree, James L. & Juliette McNeil Preschool Academy in Fairfax County; and Ms. Anna Ankomah, the new Kingstowne Preschool Academy in Fairfax County.

Holding the Annual Meeting at the new Kingstowne Preschool Academy also gave Community Stakeholders an opportunity to visit Hopkins House’s newest early childhood education center and learn more about the organization’s expanding presence in Fairfax County.

Founded in 1939, Hopkins House is a nonprofit organization serving children, families, and early childhood educators in Northern Virginia through its Preschool Academies, Early Childhood Learning Institute, and family support programs.P