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About Us

Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation has had a singular purpose for more than half a century: to support Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

In 1959, the Naval Officers’ Wives’ Club of Washington D.C. had a vision to build a retirement community to benefit the widows of Navy officers. At the time, a Navy officer’s pension did not transfer to his wife after his death, leaving many widows with insufficient funds for retirement. Members of the club launched a decade-long campaign to fundraise, lobby and build a place where Navy widows could live in dignity, security and friendship throughout their older years.

In 1969, their vision was realized when Vinson Hall Retirement Community opened its doors for Navy, Marine and Coast Guard widows and couples. Over time, VHRC expanded to all branches of the military and government agencies. This year our community has lifted these eligibility requirements.

Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation has been an integral part of this vision from the beginning, raising funds to support the residents and staff of this unique senior living community.

‍Our Mission
We enrich the lives of those around us, so they are free to live life to the fullest.

Our Vision
We will lead in creating and delivering innovative solutions, so those around us can live life “their way.”

Our Values
Dignity, Security, and Friendship

Our Foundation Staff

Michelle Crone

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY AND ENGAGEMENT

Michelle joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community in the fall of 2019 as Philanthropy & Engagement Coordinator, and was promoted to Senior Director in spring 2020. Michelle is passionate about the mission and the people of VHRC. Under her leadership, philanthropic giving to the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation has increased, the donor base has grown, and a planned giving program was initiated. As a 30-year resident of McLean, Michelle has also increased VHRC’s engagement with the greater community by establishing new partnerships with local entities. She has served on the board of various community organizations, including Mclean Project for the Arts for over 13 years, and fundraised extensively for local nonprofits.

Michelle grew up in California and earned her B.A. degree in English at Stanford University. Prior to joining VHRC, Michelle was an editor of various publications that included The New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, and Architectural Digest magazine. Michelle leads the communications efforts for VHRC and has launched several new publications, including The Beacon weekly newsletter for residents, a monthly community newsletter, and a planned giving newsletter. A storyteller by nature, Michelle is honored to be able to tell the story of VHRC and the remarkable residents who live here.

Michelle is married to a Dane, has lived in Copenhagen and speaks Danish but failed to teach her two grown children the language, a fact they often remind her of. She and her family love to travel and have been blessed to see a great deal of the world.

Contact by email at michellec@vinsonhall.org or at 703-538-3068.

Debra Blome

COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Debbie Blome joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community in the fall of 2022 as Communications and Public Relations Specialist. In this role, Debbie produces a variety of publications for VHRC and the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation, including the Beacon weekly resident newsletter and the quarterly Campus News & Views literary magazine. She writes press releases and social media posts, designs and creates videos, slide show presentations and printed materials for the Foundation, and maintains VHRC’s website. She also lends her editing and writing expertise to other VHRC departments as needed.

Debbie grew up in Connecticut and earned her B.A. in English at the University of Michigan. She also holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University as well as a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Old Dominion University. Debbie is delighted to be a part of the NMCGRF/VHRC family.

Contact by email at dblome@vinsonhall.org or at 703-528-3069.

Megan Kelly

PHILANTHROPY & ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Megan joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community in 2022 as Activities and Engagement Manager for Arleigh Burke and The Sylvestery, after serving as a life enrichment coordinator and director for other senior living communities in both Virginia and Michigan. In February 2024, she pivoted to a new position as Philanthropy & Engagement Coordinator for NMCGRF/VHRC. In this role, Megan supports all fundraising and engagement activities, including managing the donor database, processing gifts, planning events, and liaising with community organizations. As the first face of the Philanthropy & Engagement office, Megan maintains relationships with donors and residents and helps meet their needs on a daily basis.

Megan grew up in Michigan and holds a B.A. degree in hospitality business from Michigan State University. Off hours, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and her dog, is an expert baker of beautifully decorated sugar cookies that she provides for events, and is a lifelong ballet and tap dancer. Megan is delighted to be serving the people of VHRC as part of the Philanthropy & Engagement team.

Contact by email at mkelly@vinsonhall.org or at 703-538-2970.

Richard M. Mazza

Assistant Treasurer to NMCGRF

Rick joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community in 2024, bringing 35 years of experience as a leader in finance and business development in the not-for-profit life plan community industry. Most recently, Rick served as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Business Development and Planning at National Lutheran Communities and Services, a multi-site life plan community with locations in Maryland and Virginia. Since 2012, he has also served as President of his own consulting practice, Coach Lane Advisors, LLC, advising life plan communities on finance, strategy and business planning. Rick’s previous leadership roles include Managing Director of Solar Renewable Energy in Pennsylvania, Chief Accounting Officer and Vice President of Development and Planning for Pacific Retirement Services in Oregon, and Director of KPMG’s Retirement Housing & Long-term Care Consulting Practice in Pennsylvania and California.

Rick grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania and earned a B.A. degree in Accounting from Washington & Jefferson College. Rick and his wife Sharon have been married 30 years and are the proud parents of two adopted girls. Rick is life-long Steelers fan and enjoys small-mouth bass fishing on the lower Susquehanna River in south central PA. Rick looks forward to working with the VHRC team of staff and residents on the critical process of repositioning the community to meet the expectations of current and future residents, helping to ensure VHRC’s, continued, long-term success.

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Michele Parra

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Michele joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community in 2019 and serves as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In addition to assisting the CEO and CFO, Michele supports the Foundation as liaison to the NMCGRF Board of Trustees, coordinating Board information and meetings. She also lends support to Foundation fundraising events, as well as VHRC staff and resident engagement activities.

Michele holds a B.A. degree in sociology, an associate’s degree in hospitality management, and is a certified Meeting and Event Planner. Prior to joining VHRC, Michele worked at an agricultural trade association as an Executive Assistant and Corporate Meeting Planner, and as a Legislative Assistant at a law firm in Washington D.C. Michele also worked in the beauty industry for an Estee Lauder brand planning company events, handling customer relations and managing sales teams.

Michele lives in Reston, Virginia with her three dogs (all rescues) and is passionate about helping our canine friends find their “furever” home. In her spare time, she enjoys local wineries, gardening, traveling, cooking for and with friends, and is an avid reader.

Contact by email at michelep@vinsonhall.org or 703-538-3067.

Our Foundation Executive Board

Cynthia A. Dullea, RDML, NC, USN (Ret)

CHAIRMAN

Cynthia Dullea holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Salve Regina University as well as an MBA degree from Stephens College. She served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, first as a nurse in both active duty and the reserve component, and culminating in her appointment to Rear Admiral and Deputy Commander, Navy Medicine National Capital Area. During her Navy career, Dullea oversaw the opening of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (formerly known as National Naval Medical Center), along with several Navy branch medical clinics and Navy reserve units across multiple states. She also served as Deputy Director of the Nurse Corps, where she helped to reshape the organization to support Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition, Rear Admiral Dullea spent 25 years in senior management positions at several healthcare IT companies, including SCI Solutions, Marbella Technologies, and Experian Health, in which she led them through startup, branding, growth and acquisition. Her career also encompassed roles as a professor of graduate-level nursing and public health, and as a consultant in the healthcare industry.

Cynthia Dullea joined the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2016. She was elected Board Chairman in 2024, having served previously as Board Vice Chairman and Finance Committee Chair since 2018. With her strong background in healthcare operations, she has played a key role in the launch of Vinson Hall at Home, VHRC’s new home and community-based services business unit. “It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of the Board,” said Dullea. “Vinson Hall holds a unique and very special place in my heart – both my mother-in-law and my mother were longtime residents here – and I want to see it be the best it can possibly be.

Allie Leslie, RADM, USN (Ret)

Vice Chairman

Allie Leslie, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, holds an MBA (Law) degree from National University. She served 36 years in the U.S. Navy in both active duty and the reserve component, achieving the rank of Rear Admiral before her retirement in 2017. During her Navy career, Admiral Leslie held various leadership roles in the Pentagon, including Executive Director, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Acquisition & Procurement), and Chief of Staff to the Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Logistics and Technology) advising the Secretary on Department of Defense acquisitions, business management, military construction, and other areas. In 2017, Leslie was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, where she championed the causes of entrepreneurs and small business owners. In the private sector, she has held various executive positions including Program Manager for Abbot Vascular Medical Devices, a $200M company, and her current position as President of Health Supply, a minority-owned small business dedicated to reshoring U.S. manufacturing of medical supplies. Since 2018, she has also served as President of her own consulting firm, AC Leslie Consulting LLC, advising clients on acquisition and government contracting.

Allie Leslie was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2022. She served first as Chair of the Strategy & Market Intelligence Committee, then was elected Board Vice Chairman in 2024. She also serves as a member of the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee. “It is an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees of the NMCGRF and be a part of the NMCGRF community, especially since my mother has been a resident since 2018,” said Leslie. “I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization – they are like family to me!

W. Scott Slocum, CAPT, USN (Ret)

TREASURER

Scott Slocum earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School with an emphasis on finance and project management. He served 30 years in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer commanding several ships, including a patrol hydrofoil missile ship and a Spruance-class destroyer, which deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war. As a Navy Captain, Slocum commanded Destroyer Squadron 26 and served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander in the George Washington Battle Group. Following retirement from the Navy in 1998, he returned as a civilian to serve as Deputy Commander of the Navy Recruiting Command, which hired 50,000 sailors a year, and was then promoted to Deputy to the Chief of Navy Personnel. His career also encompassed roles as a member of the Board of Directors and subsequently an executive at Navy Federal Credit Union until his retirement in 2012.

He is also a member of the Strategy & Market Intelligence Committee. “I’ve been on the Board for over 14 years, and it’s been a wonderful opportunity to serve,” said Slocum. “As the Treasurer, I will tell you that Vinson Hall is in really sound financial condition, and I think they have the best leadership in the community."

Sandy Daniels, RADM, USN (Ret)

SECRETARY

Sandy Daniels graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree, and earned a Master’s degree in science, technology and policy at George Washington University. She began her Navy career as a naval aviator flying P-3 aircraft, and since women at the time could not fly in combat, she flew research missions. After logging more than 2,000 hours of flight time over 11 years for Oceanographic Research Squadron Eight and Navy Research Laboratory, Daniels transitioned to the Naval Reserve and obtained a space operations subspecialty at Naval Space Surveillance Center. As a Flag Officer, Admiral Daniels served as Director of Warfare Integration as well as Deputy Commander, Joint Functional Component for Space. Her 30-year Naval career culminated in roles as Reserve Deputy Commander, Pacific Fleet, and Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group overseeing all P-3s flying anti-submarine warfare and maritime reconnaissance missions. She also worked as a defense contractor for several companies, providing support to the National Reconnaissance Office, among others. Since her retirement from the Navy in 2015, she does consulting work and serves on several boards.

Sandy Daniels was elected to the Board of Trustees of Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2017. She has served as Board Secretary since 2019, as well as Chair of the Resident Quality of Life Committee and a member of the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee. “One of the things we always talk about is how in retirement you should be giving back – but my experience here over the last few years is that I feel I’ve gained more than I’ve given,” said Daniels. “Everyone here cares a lot about this community. I’m very proud to be a part of this group, and I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and to serve.”

Chip Warner

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Chip Warner, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, holds a Master’s degree in English from the University of Maryland and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School. Warner spent seven years as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a nuclear engineering officer aboard the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier and as an English instructor at the Naval Academy. He also volunteered for service aboard the USS Samuel B. Roberts during Operation Joint Endeavor supporting NATO peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. After his Navy career, Warner worked in various executive leadership roles for more than 20 years. For nearly 15 of those years, he has worked in senior living and services. At Erickson Living, a national leader in senior living and health care across 11 states, he served as Executive Director of communities in New Jersey and Maryland. He also worked in corporate roles at Erickson, which included Regional Vice President of Operations responsible for operations in nine communities across five states. Most recently, Warner was the Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Central Maryland, serving 300,000 children, families and seniors in the Baltimore area.

Chip Warner joined Vinson Hall Retirement Community as President and Chief Executive Officer in 2022. “I am thrilled to serve a community in which the residents themselves committed their careers to service,” said Warner. “I look forward to working in partnership with the Board, the leadership team, and Vinson Hall residents to build on the tremendous successes of the past to make the community an even better place to live and to work.”

Our Foundation Board of Trustees

Annie B. Andrews, RDML, USN (Ret)

Annie Andrews holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Savannah State University and a Master’s degree in management from Troy State University. She served in the U.S. Navy for 32 years and held various roles in personnel management, recruiting and training. Her military career included tours as Commanding Officer of Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, the Navy’s only boot camp, Executive Assistant and Naval Aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, and Senior Fellow on the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College in Rhode Island. As a flag officer, Rear Admiral Andrews served as Director, Total Force Requirements, (N12) in Washington, DC, and as the Navy’s top recruiter and principle advisor to the Chief of Naval Personnel on recruitment strategy and objectives in her role as Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. Following her retirement from the Navy in 2015, Andrews worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as Assistant Administrator for Human Resources Management, where she was responsible for human resource leadership and services for over 46,000 workforce personnel until her retirement in 2021. Andrews is currently the President/CEO of Andrews Consulting Enterprise, LLC, where she consults on Human Resources matters.

Annie Andrews was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2017, where she currently serves on the Operations Committee and the Resident Quality of Life Committee. Her connection to Vinson Hall Retirement Community goes back 30 years, when as a young lieutenant she performed songs for residents at VHRC. “I remember being here and thinking, what a wonderful place!” she said. “My desire is to see what we on the Board can do for the future and how we can help and support all those who have served our nation in many capacities, military, government, and industry.”

Michael J. Browne, RDML, USN (Ret)

Michael Browne, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and a Master’s degree in physics from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School. He served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years, first in active duty as a nuclear submarine engineer, and then in the reserve component, culminating in his appointment to Rear Admiral. His tours of duty included Vice Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, Reserve Commander for the Naval Network Warfare Command, and Senior Fellow at the Chief of Naval Operation’s Strategic Studies Group, which is the Chief of Naval Operation’s think tank. Admiral Browne also supported the Gulf Coast recovery effort after Hurricane Katrina, as part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Task Force for Wounded Warriors. At the same time, Browne held senior consulting, sales and technology positions at IBM for 20 years. His leadership roles included Director of Intellectual Property and International Business Development, where he led research into new technology and partnerships with Lawrence Livermore Labs as well as new labs in Kenya, China and the Middle East. He later served as CEO of Lumina Analytics, a specialty artificial intelligence company for government and financial services. He is currently Senior Vice President of Decision Lens, an integrated planning software company.

Michael Browne was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2018. He serves as Chair of the Strategy & Market Intelligence Committee, Chair of the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee, and a member of the Resident Quality of Life Committee. Browne’s roots in McLean are deep, having lived near Vinson Hall Retirement Community for many years. “This is the finest organization I’ve ever had the opportunity to serve,” he said. “The mission is great, the people are wonderful, and it’s a privilege to support this community as a member of the Board.”

James Carman, CAPT, USN (Ret)

Bio Coming Soon..

Pat Dawson, RADM, USN (Ret)

Pat Dawson, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, holds a Master’s degree in computer systems from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a MBA degree in telecommunications management from National University in San Diego. He served 34 years in the U.S. Navy in both active duty and the reserve component. Following sea tours with duties ranging from Operations Officer to Engineering Officer, Dawson held reserve assignments as Commanding Officer in operational logistics, cargo handling and supply chain management. His Flag Officer duties as Rear Admiral included Director, Defense Logistics Agency Joint Reserve Forces, and Commander, Logistics Task Force Atlantic, until his retirement from the Navy in 2004. Rear Admiral Dawson also spent 26 years in senior management positions in the information technology industry. At ERC International, Ogden Professional Services, and Anteon Corporation, which provided IT engineering solutions to military and government clients, his roles included Vice President, Software and Systems Integration, and Senior Vice President, Administration. Dawson was also responsible for the successful integration of Anteon into General Dynamics, serving as Senior Vice President of the newly formed GDIT in 2006.

Pat Dawson was elected to the Board of Trustees of Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2009, served six years as chair of the Audit Committee and coordinated the Foundation’s annual charity golf tournament for many years. In 2021, he returned to the Board and currently serves on the Finance Committee and Operations Committee. “During my first term, I was delighted to participate in the planning and construction of the Willow Oak building,” said Dawson. “I am very proud of Vinson Hall and the quality of their staff and services.”

Daniel DuVal

Bio Coming Soon!

Sushil K. Jain, CAPT, MC, USN (Ret)

Sushil Jain grew up in India and moved to the United States at age 14. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at Kentucky State University, Doctor of Optometry at the Southern College of Optometry, and Master’s degree in visual disability and special education at Old Dominion University. During his 24-year career in the U.S. Navy as an eye specialist and officer, Dr. Jain was stationed at various naval hospitals in Japan, Italy and in the U.S. As a Navy captain, he became commanding officer for Washington Navy Yard Hospital and Director of Medicine at Walter Reed National Medical Center Bethesda. At National Naval Medical Center as head of the Department of Optometry, Dr. Jain cared for leaders in Congress and the White House, including Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama. After retiring from the Navy in 2003, Dr. Jain went into private practice as an optometrist at Spectrum Healthcare Resources in Fairfax, where he continues to provide patient eye care. In addition, he serves as the primary eye care consultant at several senior living communities and nursing facilities, including Vinson Hall Retirement Community.

Dr. Jain was elected to the Board of Trustees of Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2018. He currently serves on the Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as the Operations and Resident Quality of Life Committees. “Because I walk these halls and get to talk to all our residents, my desire is to gain firsthand knowledge of what residents’ needs are,” said Jain. “I thoroughly enjoy serving everyone and being on the Board.”

Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan, Jr.

Rip Sullivan is a lawyer and a member of the Virginia General Assembly, where he represents the 48^th district – Vinson Hall Retirement Community’s district – in the House of Delegates. He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, and received his J.D. degree from the University of Virginia. Sullivan, who has lived in McLean for most of his life and across the street from VHRC for several decades, has served as a commercial litigation attorney for over 35 years. He has been a partner at the law firms Hazel & Thomas, P.C. and Reed Smith, LLC, and is currently a partner at Bean Kinney & Korman, P.C., in Arlington. In addition to having extensive trial experience, he is also an expert in alternatives to litigation to resolve commercial disputes, and has taught negotiation at George Mason University’s law school. In 2014, Sullivan was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the 48^th district, a position he continues to hold. He serves on various House committees including Finance, Courts of Justice, and Commerce and Energy. As Chair of the Energy Subcommittee, he introduced the Virginia Clean Economy Act that was signed into law in 2020, and also chaired the Finance Subcommittee on income tax. Sullivan is also the former president of Northern Virginia Legal Services, an organization that provides free counsel to low-income residents.

Rip Sullivan was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation in 2022. He serves as Chair of the Governance & Nominating Committee, and is a member of the Finance Committee and the Operations Committee. “Vinson Hall is a Northern Virginia treasure, and a cornerstone of the McLean community,” said Sullivan. “It is an honor to serve on its Board and help navigate the next steps in Vinson Hall’s bright future.”

Tammy Tideswell, CAPT, USN (Ret)

Bio Coming Soon..

Francis “Bud” Dougherty, CAPT, USN (Ret)

PRESIDENT, VINSON HALL RESIDENTs' ASSOCIATION

Bud Dougherty, a graduate of Gettysburg College, served in the U.S. Navy for 28 years. As a Naval Flight Officer, he completed two combat deployments in F-4 fighter squadrons during the Vietnam War, and served as Commanding Officer of two F-14 fighter squadrons. Captain Dougherty also served as Executive Officer of the John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier, and Commanding Officer of the USS Concord as well as of Service Squadron Two, a squadron of Navy ships. In his final position with the Navy, he worked in the Pentagon developing aviation requirements and budgets. During his Navy career, Captain Dougherty was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and 14 Air Medals (four individual, 10 strike flight). Following retirement from the Navy in 1990, Dougherty was an executive for 15 years in the aerospace industry, where he focused on Naval warfare systems and satellite communications for corporations that included Magnavox/Hughes and Raytheon. In addition, he served as President and CEO of a small firearms company until his retirement in 2009. He was also President of Washington Golf and Country Club.

Bud Dougherty was elected to President of the Vinson Hall Resident Association in 2022, and in that role serves on the Board of Trustees of the Navy Marine Coast Guard Residence Foundation. He serves as a member of the Finance, Philanthropy & Engagement, and Resident Quality of Life committees. “The residents of Vinson Hall greatly appreciate the Board’s oversight and support in ensuring that all residents enjoy the dignity, security and friendship that our motto implies,” said Dougherty. “It is my pleasure to be a part of this process.”

Emeritus Trustees

John E. Arnold, CAPT, USN (Ret)

David P. Keller, RADM, SC, USN (Ret)

Frederic G. Sanford, RADM, MC, USN (Ret)

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