NVHF elects new board chair, new board members also announced

The Northern Virginia Health Foundation (NVHF) announced the election of Sonia Quiñónez as its new board chair, and welcomed two recognized regional health leaders, David C. Rose, M.D., and Shelly L.S. Powers, DMSc, to its Board of Directors. 

Quiñónez, who joined the board in 2022, succeeds Judy Feder, Ph.D, who completed her four-year term last year. Quiñónez is the Senior Director of Operations Planning and Initiatives at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and brings extensive expertise in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community advocacy to her new role.

“Sonia’s thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to equity make her an ideal chair for this pivotal time in the Foundation’s history,” said NVHF President and CEO Courtney Rice. “She recognizes the challenges we must address at the moment and brings the strategic insight needed to ensure the Foundation continues supporting our grantees and community partners pushing for meaningful change in the region.”

New board members

NVHF also welcomed two new board members. 

Dr. David C. Rose is the district health director of the Alexandria Health District, within the Virginia Department of Health. A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Rose has held various public health roles across the region, including leadership positions with the District of Columbia Department of Health.

Dr. Shelly L.S. Powers is provost for Northern Virginia Community College's (NOVA) Medical Education Campus, an esteemed role she assumed following her tenure as the Dean of Health Sciences at NOVA. She brings extensive clinical, academic and administrative experience to the board through previous roles held at Howard University, Palliative Care at Aspire Health in Baltimore, MD, and Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C.

“As we begin a year marking the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, I am honored to welcome Drs. Rose and Powers to their new positions on our board,” says Rice. “Their expertise and perspectives will be invaluable as we continue our mission of improving the health and well-being of Northern Virginia residents.”

Departing members

Additionally, three board members—Judy Feder, Ph.D., Ian Greaves, CPM, Ph.D., and Kimberley Ragnartz, MBA, MPH—have completed their service and will be stepping down from their roles.

Rice also expressed gratitude for the contributions of the departing members. “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of Drs. Greaves and Feder, as well as Ms. Ragnartz, for their years of commitment to NVHF’s mission. Their leadership has left an indelible mark on the Foundation, and I look forward to seeing their legacy carried forward by the current board.”

Ragnartz has served on the board since 2022. Greaves served as the Foundation’s treasurer during his four years of service. Feder served on the board for 10 years, including as chair from 2021-2024 and as vice-chair from 2019-2020. 

The Foundation is excited to continue serving the Northern Virginia region, its grantees, and partner organizations.

NVHF’s Full Board Members

Guillermo Garcia, CEPA, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

William A. Hazel, M.D., Claude Moore Charitable Foundation

Susie Lee, Consultant

Shelly L.S. Powers, DMSc, Northern Virginia Community College

David C. Rose, M.D., Virginia Department of Health

Philip Sunderland, Retired

Sonia Quiñónez, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Ilka Wilson Vallee, MPA, Corporate GOLD LLC