Staff
Cele Garrett
Executive Director
Prior to joining AHA, Cele provided marketing/fundraising copy writing, project management, and media outreach on a freelance basis for both not-for-profit and for-profit clients. Projects include writing a chapter in the book Secrets of Successful Fund Raising, managing a series of workshops geared to science and health journalists, and writing on-air television scripts and national direct mail campaigns. She brings extensive volunteer experience for local nonprofits and causes. Cele spent ten years at the national office of the Public Broadcasting Service, where her work included in-kind fundraising, project management, development training, and member relations.
Dara Surratt
Operations Co-Manager
Dara is Operations Co-Manager along with Bernice Courtenay. She comes to AHA with 20 years of experience working in the corporate travel management industry. Dara and her husband have twin daughters who are just starting high school and they are longtime member of the Alexandria community. She’s dedicated to providing our AHA members with a quick response to requests and is always a friendly voice when you call the office.
Megan McIntyre
Operations Co-Manager
Megan McIntyre is our newest staff member and will share the Operations Manager position with Dara. She earned her Master of Social Work before leaving the full-time work force to raise her two children Mack and Calum (18 and 15 respectively). Megan has been an active volunteer in the community for Bishop Ireton High School, Together We Bake, and Alexandria Country Day School. Megan will work on Thursdays, Fridays and alternating Wednesdays.
Jennifer (Jen) Heinz
Marketing and Membership Manager
Jen works with the Executive Director and AHA committees to enhance membership outreach and to expand our web and social media presence. She joined AHA after serving, most recently, as Office Administrator for Encore Creativity for Older Adults and has worked for other nonprofits and trade associations, primarily in education and professional development.