(ARLINGTON, VA) In its most recent Strategic Plan update, adopted last fall, the Columbia Pike Partnership (previously Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization), set a goal to expand its Board of Directors to “more accurately represent the community we serve and better provide the needed skills and expertise to fulfill our mission.”

In furtherance of this goal, we are happy to announce our new executive committee for FY2023 in the head of Shannon Bailey (Chair), Vice President of Client Services at More Vang, and member of our board of directors for the past 3 years. Bailey brings to the table over 15 years of experience in business strategy, marketing and branding, with the goal to help the partnership reach a new level of recognition, visibility, and exposure in the community. The new executive committee includes Diana Nakarmi (Vice-Chair), Nina Chawla (Treasurer),  Marty Weitzel (Secretary),  John Snyder (Immediate Past Chair), Michael Garcia and Tad Lunger remain as Appointees.

We also welcome two new members to the board: Nicole MacDonald, Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual, and Paula Fynboh, Executive Director at Aspire! Afterschool Learning. “Our board is thrilled to welcome Nikki and Paula. We’re really hitting our stride as an organization, and I’m excited for the year ahead” adds Bailey.

Nikki Macdonald is a Financial Advisor, running a comprehensive financial planning practice partnered with Northwestern Mutual.  Taking 13+ years of experience in sales and client success in tech and data analytics, Nikki did a career pivot to pursue her dream of helping people achieve their goals and dreams for themselves and their families (through data-driven decision-making!).  She is passionate about bringing access to comprehensive financial planning, accountability, and inspiration, especially for women, families, and business owners.  Nikki holds her Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations with FINRA. In addition, she holds various state licenses for Life, Health, Long-term Care, and Variable Annuity.

Paula Fynboh is a natural leader and connector who understands people in a way that makes them feel seen and heard. She is a talented strategic thinker with the rare ability to simultaneously develop big picture strategy while implementing, managing, and leading the day-to-day execution of the vision. This combination allows Paula to work strategically, but also “get things done” in an ever-evolving and fast-paced work setting with an infectious spirit of hope and a sense of humor that inspires loyalty and generates results.

Paula has 15+ years of experience working in, consulting on, and leading social justice campaigns that include high-level stakeholders, multifaceted political relationships, and complex strategic decision-making with high-performing organizations and demonstrated results. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota.

To learn more about our full board of directors please visit www.columbia-pike.org/partnership.