The Fairfax County Park Foundation Board of Directors has elected officers to lead the fundraising arm for the Fairfax County Park Authority from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026 at its annual meeting on May 21.
Laura Eakin Erlacher was elected as the Chair. She is the Director of Government Affairs & Policy for GE Vernova. Erlacher was the first member to represent the Eakin Family, donor of the first land that became a Park Authority park. She continues the family tradition through voluntary contributions, including active board service.
"I’m honored to join fellow Park Foundation board officers and directors to enrich Fairfax County’s 420 parks, which are critical to the physical and mental health of our community,” stated Chair Erlacher. “Donations help fund the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center; Sully Woodlands Stewardship Education Center; Summer Entertainment Series, access to Park Authority camps and classes, and programs which align with the One Fairfax Policy affirming that all deserve an equal opportunity to participate and succeed. Appreciation is extended to the immediate past Foundation Board Secretary, Robin Walker, whose service continues as a Board Director.”
Anita Herrera will be the Vice Chair. Herrera is the General Counsel Emerita for Nodal Exchange, LLC and has more than 30 years of legal experience in financial transactions. Herrera is a golf enthusiast, who enjoys the Fairfax County golf courses with fond memories of rounds with her father at Jefferson District.
Rich Harpe, CPA, will be the Treasurer of the Board. He is a Principal at Matthews, Carter & Boyce CPAs and Advisors, with more than 30 years of diversified experience in tax consulting and compliance engagements. His expertise has helped the Park Foundation to establish long-term investments to endow future Park Authority parks. Harpe lives in Oak Hill with his family and they enjoy biking and visits to Frying Pan Farm Park.
Michael Gailliot was elected as Secretary and also serves as the Foundation’s Compliance Officer. He is a real estate professional with Century 21 New Millennium in Alexandria, Virginia. Gailliot supports Franconia District Park through his family business Hilltop Sand & Gravel Company, as it has for several generations. His areas of interest include woodworking and family.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation supports the Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, outreach programs and services. Visit the Park Foundation website, or call 703-324-8582 for additional information.