Leadership Loudoun Youth
Class of 2011
Coordinator Biographies
Leadership Loudoun Youth Interns
Ben Baker, Senior, Loudoun Valley High School
Ben Baker is a senior at Loudoun Valley High School, where he is a member of the Student Council Association, the National Honor Society and vice president of the Technology Students Association. He also serves on the Board of Governors of Loudoun Youth Inc.’s Youth Advisory Council and volunteers with Friends of Loudoun Mental Health’s Friends Helping Friends program, which organizes social activities for individuals with mental disabilities. This summer, Ben presented Loudoun Valley High School at the American Legion Virginia Boys State and will serve as Student Representative to the Loudoun County School Board during the 2011-2012 school year.
An Eagle Scout and avid environmentalist, Ben has served on the Town of Purcellville’s Committee on the Environment for the past three years, playing a key role in organizing the Town’s annual Painting Purcellville Green sustainability event. Ben also participated in the Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars program and will attend its Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center where he will collaborate with other students and researchers on a potential mission to Mars.
Jesseca Hoff, Woodgrove High School Inaugural Class of 2012, Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010
Jesseca Hoff is a rising senior at Woodgrove high school and was a part of the leadership Loudoun youth inaugural class last year. During the summer she works as a camp counselor at a youth summer camp. During the school year she spends a lot of time volunteering. She serves as Community Service Chair of the Loudoun County Youth Advisory Council and Service Chair of the Purcellville Teen Advisory Group. At school, Jesseca is a member of the Green Team and the Mentors Club, mentoring students at Mountain View Elementary. At Loudoun Valley, she ran cross country for two years.
Dane Mullins, Woodgrove High School – Inaugural Class of 2012, Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010
Dane Mullins is a native of western Loudoun. He attended Round Hill Elementary School, Blue Ridge Middle School, Harmony Intermediate School, Loudoun Valley High School and is currently dual enrolled at Woodgrove High School and Northern Virginia Community College. Dane is a member of and holds two national welding certifications with the American Welding Society. He has received his industry recognized RBT Systems Copper Based and Fiber Optic Network Cabling Certifications.
Dane is very active in school. He has competed for many years in Odyssey of the Mind, was a member of the Loudoun Valley High School SCA and the freshman football team, a member of the Woodgrove High School transition team and the creator, builder, financial supporter and driver of the Woodgrove’s mascot, Walter the Wolverine.
Dane is involved in his community. He has been a Loudoun Youth Soccer Association assistant coach for several seasons, an active member for the past seven years and teaching assistant for four years for Loudoun Chapters National League of Junior Cotillions. He was a member of the Leadership Loudoun Youth Inaugural Class of 2010. He also participated in the 2011 Piedmont Community Foundation - Rust Student Philanthropy project and achieved his Grant Maker Certificate. Dane also received a 2011 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Dane grew up on a farm and has a passion for tractors. He enjoys working with his hands. He is the owner and operator of Dane’s Hometown Services since 2008. His company provides estate maintenance, landscaping and farm services, excavation and clearing as well as welding services.
When Dane is not going to school, working or providing community service he can be found at the Glen Echo Spanish Ballroom swing dancing, at a tractor pull or behind the wheel of his M35A2 Duece and a half.
Leadership Loudoun Youth Coordinators
Christina Druther, Program Coordinator
As co-program coordinator for Leadership Loudoun Youth, Christina Druther brings knowledge and insight gained from over eleven years experience in the nonprofit sector, particularly in youth development programming. Christina started her career in nonprofit management in 2000. She spent seven years working for Communities In Schools (CIS), a nationwide network dedicated to providing disadvantaged youth the basic, emotional and psychological resources they need to succeed in school and in life. She worked in local and state CIS programs in Arizona and in 2005 progressed to a position with the Research, Evaluation and Learning Management team at the CIS national office in Alexandria, VA.
In 2009, after moving to Leesburg, VA, Christina took on the role of executive director of Loudoun Youth Inc. In this role, Christina had the opportunity to co-design and implement the first Leadership Loudoun Youth Class in 2010. In addition, Christina managed the day-to-day operations of Loudoun Youth, assisted with fundraising efforts and managed other youth programs. Christina served as executive director until January 2011.
Over the years, Christina’s roles in nonprofit organizations have included executive director, development director, youth program director, communications coordinator, national trainer, curriculum developer, research and evaluation manager, volunteer coordinator, event and meeting planner and volunteer.
Christina received her bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications Studies from Towson University in 2000. In 2003, she obtained a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Christina recently started a business. Established in January 2011, Tillowz is a family-based business manufacturing and selling travel-sized terry velour pillows ideal for the beach and pool, as well as day care, sleepovers, planes, cars and camping.
Christina is a graduate of the Leadership Loudoun Class of 2010. She has been a Big Sister since 2003.
Carol A. Kost, President, Loudoun Youth Inc.
Carol Kost has served as Loudoun Youth Inc.’s (LY) Chairman and President since 2005. Founded in 2005, LY has provided more than $560,000 in grants to local youth serving organizations.
Previously, Carol served as the Chair of the Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth, and is a former Chair of the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council for the State of Michigan. Earlier in her career, she was involved in the launch of Saturn Corporation and also worked for the Governor of the State of Michigan.
In the course of 20 years of youth leadership development, Carol has used her strategic management and marketing experience to positively influence the lives of thousands of youths on issues ranging from child abuse and neglect to youth advocacy and leadership. Working with various state and local government agencies and commissions to build an understanding of youth issues and challenges, Carol has enabled real change by forming lasting coalitions to affect the youth of Loudoun County.
In 2004, Carol served as founder and Chair of the Loudoun Youth Initiative, formed to foster collaboration among the various youth serving organizations in Loudoun County. In 2006, a George Mason University study stated that “…the foundations, activities, services, and processes undertaken in Loudoun County are cutting edge and are among the best youth-based approaches in the nation.”
Carol has also served as Chair, Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth from 2002 to 2006 and has been a delegate or appointee to the Commission since 1999.
In addition to working on behalf of youth, Carol serves on the Board of Directors of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and Co-Founded the Loudoun Chamber’s Non Profit Initiative (NPI). The NPI was launched in 2008 to help non-profit professionals build a strong network of relationships with their peers across Loudoun County. A major emphasis of the NPI is to assist non-profit members in communicating their mission and value to Loudoun’s business community.
Carol has BA from Michigan State University and is a certified 4th dan black belt and instructor of Tae Kwon Do.
Mike Morgan, Program Coordinator and Leadership Loudoun Board Member
Stay-at-home Dad and community volunteer with business & consulting background
Recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Adult Volunteer Leader Award from Volunteer Loudoun and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors
Leadership roles in the county and schools – currently:
•Leadership Loudoun – Class of 2005, served on the Board of Directors since, including President FY08, FY09, & FY10 and Vice President FY07 & FY11; please visit
•Co-Founder, Leadership Loudoun Youth – partnership between Leadership Loudoun and Loudoun Youth, Inc.; community leadership development program for high school students; inaugural Leadership Loudoun Youth Class of 2010 held in August 2010; LLY2011 will be held in July 2011; please visit
•Horizon Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) (5th year) – President 2011-12, Senior Vice President of Educational Programs 2010-11, Treasurer 2008-09 & 2009-10
•Assistant Swim Coach, Dominion High School (5th year: 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, and planned for 2011-12) (50 student-athletes, 2 managers) (NOTE: LCPS paid position); Co-Chair, Dominion High School Varsity Club
•Community Representative (Leadership Loudoun), Loudoun County Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY) (4th year: 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12); Co-Chair, Career & Leadership Development Committee (Leadership Loudoun Youth); Member, Step Up Loudoun Planning Committee – please visit (attended Step Up in 2005, 2006, & 2007; not held in 2008 & 2009, back and NEW & IMPROVED – from idea through implementation – as Step Up Loudoun Youth Competition in 2010-11 & 2011-12 – and beyond)
•Advisor & Mentor, “Forward Turn”, the S. Murray Rust and Mary H.C. Rust Student Philanthropy Project (SPP), a community outreach program of the Piedmont Community Foundation (PCF) (6th year: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12); please visit
•Parent Volunteer, Horizon Elementary School (5th year: Kindergarten 2007-08, 1st grade 2008-09, Kindergarten & 2nd grade 2009-10, 1st & 3rd grades 2010-11, 2nd & 4th grades 2011-12)
•Classroom Aide, Religious Education / CCD, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church (3rd year: 2nd grade 2009-10, 3rd grade 2010-11, 2nd grade 2011-12); VIRTUS trained classroom aide
•Member, Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church
•Co-Head Coach, Claude Moore Aquatics Club (CMAC) ‘HS Swim Prep’ (3rd year: 2009, 2010, 2011) – preseason high school swim program @ Claude Moore Rec Center (CMRC) in the fall (NOTE: Loudoun County PRCS paid position)
•Manager/Coach, Lower Loudoun Little League baseball (5th year, spring & fall; Manager of the Minor League Champion Marlins fall 2010 and AA League Champion Rays spring 2011)
•Assist with Trump National Lightning & Mini-Bolts summer swim team as a “Senior Coach” for 5 to 18 year olds (5th year); swim clinics, Stroke & Turn Official, and Starter
•Cub Scouts Pack 572 (4th year) – Den 9 Tiger Cubs 2008-09, Wolves 2009-10, Bears 2010-11, Webelos 2011-12; Co-Den Leader Den 11 Tiger Cubs 2010-11, Wolves 2011-12
Formerly:
•President, River Bank Woods Homeowners Association (HOA) (completed 2nd 3-year term in January 2010; served since October 2003); please visit
•Treasurer, Village Green Day School at Lowes Island (preschool) Parent Advisory Council (PAC) (4 years – two 2-year terms: 2005-06 & 2006-07 and 2007-08 & 2008-09)
•Room Parent, Horizon Elementary School – Kindergarten 2007-08, 2nd grade 2009-10
Mike graduated from Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, VA in 1987; graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Commerce in 1991 and an M.S. in Management Information Systems in 1992 (NOTE: Virginia Swimming, 4 years, 1988-92, NCAA Division I, Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC); ACC Champions in 1990); worked for Andersen Consulting / Accenture in Communications & High Techthroughout the U.S. and internationally from 1992 to 2002, until 1st son was born; stay-at-home Dad from 2002 to present; part-time consulting with Infinitive (founded in Loudoun County in 2003) in 2003 and 2004, until 2nd son was born. Mike, his wife Jen, and their 2 sons – Ned (9, rising 4th grader) and Eric (7, rising 2nd grader) – live in Potomac Falls.
Leadership Loudoun Youth
Class of 2011
Presenter Biographies
Monday, July 18
Walt Hogan, President, Symbiosis
Walt Hogan is a certified organization development (OD) consultant and executive coach with expertise in the areas of leadership, management and human resource development (HRD), also organizational assessment and employee surveys, team and staff development. Walt’s other professional expertise’s are in the areas of group facilitation, customer service, mentoring, and diversity/inclusion training. For over 20 years Walt has provided a wide range of OD and HRD interventions for both public and private enterprises.
Walt has worked in several managerial positions in both the State of Virginia and the County of Fairfax. In addition he has held several senior management positions within Cable and Wireless, a multinational telecommunication company, based in the United Kingdom. At Cable and Wireless (C&W) he led many human resource development, leadership, and organizational development initiatives while managing the training and development function supporting over 5,000 employees.
Walt started Symbiosis, his coaching and consulting practice in May 2003. The focus of Symbiosis is to assist clients with improving the bottom line by focusing on the client’s staff, management and leadership development needs. His mission is to improve human performance in the workplace.
Walt is a proud graduate in Business Administration, from Strayer University, where he was a member of the 1991 Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges. Walt has a Master of Arts degree from Marymount University, in the field of Human Resource Development. Walt studied at George Washington University and received accreditation in the field of Executive Leadership Coaching. In addition, Walt is has been an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College.
Walt is a certified executive coach/trainer/facilitator/advocate in Organizational Development, Myers-Briggs’ Type Indicator (MBTI), BarOn Emotional Intelligence 360, Conflict Dynamic 360, Ken Blanchard’s Performance Technology, Personnel Decision International (PDI) and SavillesHolsworth (SH) 360° feedback, Strengths 360° Klein Group Instrument, Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator and Reversal Theory. Walt is also certified in Achieve Global’s leadership development, customer satisfaction and competency modeling programs. He is an active advocate and user of the GE WorkOut Process and the Personal Profile System (DISC). Walt has received his Associated Certified Coach (ACC) certification from the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Walt is married with two sons. He is also very active in his community. He is a participating member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), International Coaching Federation (ICF) and a 1996 Leadership Loudoun graduate and current workshop facilitator. Walt enjoys fishing and is an avid gardener.
Tuesday, July 19
Loudoun County Bus Tour
Jeremy Carter, Program Administrator, Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD) Program, Loudoun County
Jeremy is the program administrator for the agricultural and forestal districts program for the Department of Economic Development in Loudoun County. In this position, Jeremy works with landowners and government agencies to protect and promote agricultural and forestal lands in Loudoun County. In addition, Jeremy also provides support for Loudoun County’s rural development efforts. Jeremy has a BA from Roanoke College, a Master of Arts in international commerce from the University of Kentucky, and a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Colorado State University. Between the University of Kentucky and Colorado State University, he worked on the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture.
Coco Lyons, Marketing Coordinator, Loudoun County Department of Economic Development
Coco Lyons is the new Marketing Coordinator for the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development. She is responsible for managing the advertising and marketing efforts of the rural economic team as well as support rural economic development special events. Coco works closely with the local rural business community to help promote their businesses as well as act as a resource for consumers to educate them on Loudoun’s vast rural resources.
Coco is a graduate of George Mason University’s Masters of Public Policy Program and prior to working with the DED spent 6 years marketing in the real estate sector. During her time in the private sector, she worked closely with local engineering and architectural firms, financial institutions and construction companies to develop multifamily apartment communities in the region.
Coco and her husband are new residents of Loudoun County and enjoy spending all their free time with their new 5 month old son.
Loudoun Insurance Group
John Wolff, President, Loudoun Insurance Group & Senior Managing Director, Capital Fiduciary Advisors
John brings over 22 years of financial services experience to his role as President of Loudoun Insurance Group. He also serves as Senior Managing Director of Capital Fiduciary Advisors. Previously, John was a Managing Director with Wealth & Tax Advisory Services, where he advised on $2 billion of client assets. Prior to Wealth & Tax Advisory Services, John spent 15 years with Prudential Financial and Securities, Inc. in Washington DC as a Managing Director and Financial Advisor providing various client services, including wealth management, private and institutional investment consulting, and retirement, insurance, and estate planning.
John is a graduate of the Business School at Shepherd University and holds advanced financial planning degrees from the American College. He also holds the following designations:
•Certified Financial Planner (CFP®)
•Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)
•Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU)
•Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC)
John is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA), and the Social Investment Forum. He is a member of several local organizations, including being a Board of Director for Loudoun Youth Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. He sits on the Advisory Board for the Center for Excellence in Education and was the Board Chairman of the YMCA Loudoun County for several years. John also contributes time and energy to environmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, Potomac Conservancy, and Loudoun County’s agricultural initiatives.
John resides in Western Loudoun County with his wife Lisa, and daughters Madison, Hannah, and Emma.