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.

Loretta Darst

Marketing and Membership Manager

Loretta works with the Executive Director on marketing and membership-related activities. She came to AHA with a deep background in educational publishing for such companies as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Pearson Education, and Scholastic Inc.  She received her master’s degree in education from the University of Houston, and worked as an elementary school teacher prior to going into educational publishing.

Dara Surratt

Operations Co-Manager

Dara is Operations Co-Manager along with Megan McIntyre. She came to AHA with 20 years of experience working in the corporate travel management industry. Dara and her husband have twin daughters Caroline and Emily and are longtime members of the Alexandria community. Dara’s dedicated to providing our AHA members with a quick response to requests and is always a friendly voice when you call the office.  Dara works on Mondays, Tuesdays and alternating Wednesdays.