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.

Karen Akers

Marketing and Membership Manager

Karen works with the Executive Director and AHA committees to enhance membership outreach and to expand our web and social media presence. Prior to joining AHA, she was involved in university and non-profit leadership, as well as community relations in senior living.

Dara Surratt

Operations Co-Manager

Dara is Operations Co-Manager along with Megan McIntyre. She comes to AHA with 20 years of experience working in the corporate travel management industry. Dara and her husband have twin daughters, Caroline and Emily who are finishing their last year of high school and they are longtime members of the Alexandria community.

Megan McIntyre

Operations Co-Manager

Megan McIntyre is Operations Co-Manager, along with Dara Surratt. She earned her Master of Social Work before leaving the full-time work force to raise her two children Mack and Calum (19 and 17 respectively). Megan has been an active volunteer in the community for Bishop Ireton High School, Together We Bake, and Alexandria Country Day School.