Alert:
Dr. Abena Aidoo Hewton, brings a wealth of experience in tourism and events management to the Park Board. She is an Associate Professor in the Tourism & Events Management (TEM) program, in the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism, College of Education and Human Development, at George Mason University (Mason). Dr. Aidoo Hewton has also served as the Fieldwork Experience Coordinator for the TEM program, revamping its internship program to enhance the experience for students and partner agencies.
She serves as vice chair of the board’s Resource Management and Strategic Planning and Initiatives Committee.
“I am very excited to have Dr. Abena Aidoo Hewton join the FCPA Board,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova said. “I am confident Dr. Aidoo Hewton's extensive knowledge and impressive background will be a tremendous plus for our great park system.”
In addition to serving on committees at different levels at the University, Dr. Aidoo Hewton also serves as a board member for the Greater Prince William chapter of the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association. Earlier in her career, she served as a Commercial Clerk at the U. S Embassy in Accra, Ghana, where she worked to promote U.S. business in Ghana and on large-scale events for the State Department and the Department of Commerce in Accra.
The new board member worked on her doctorate degree in Urban Affairs and Public Policy, with an emphasis on Tourism Development, at the University of Delaware (UD). While at UD, she worked with public service faculty on issues surrounding poverty, including food stamps, the revitalization of an abandoned neighborhood, and housing. She received her Master of Human Resource Development degree from Clemson University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Psychology from the University of Ghana. Her appointment runs through 2021.
Aidoo Hewton's term ends December 2025.
Contact: FCPABoard.Atlarge1@fairfaxcounty.gov