Please select one of the following team members to learn more about them:
Jean Shaughnessy Hodges, Executive Director
Jean Shaughnessy Hodges leads the Foundation team and all efforts of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. A former small business owner, Jean has more than 20 years of management and consulting experience with a focus on business operations, organizational development and communications. Jean is a trained Executive Coach and a certified facilitator. In addition, she was recently appointed to the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Jean is an active board member and community volunteer, now focused on the learning and development of her two young daughters. She is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax, Inc. and The FBI Citizens’ Academy.
Patti Grimes, Vice President of Outreach & Programming
Patti Grimes works to build relationships with the communities we serve by overseeing the Foundation's community outreach and grantmaking efforts. Prior to joining the Foundation, Patti worked as Vice President of Marketing and Customer Relations for the Carl M. Freeman Companies. She is an active volunteer for the Adopt-a-Family and Adopt-A-School programs as well as other service organizations. Patti is currently serving as President of the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from James Madison University.
Don Smith, Controller
Don Smith is the Controller for the Carl M. Freeman Foundation. Don began his career with Ernst & Young (then Ernst & Ernst) and has over 20 years of experience in senior accounting and management positions with various manufacturing and service corporations. His most recent experience includes 5 years of nonprofit experience as the Director of Finance & Operations for the Providence Center in Anne Arundel County. Don brings a unique mix of for-profit, nonprofit, operational and accounting knowledge to the Foundations. He is a CPA with an undergraduate degree in Economics and a MBA in Accounting & Finance from the University of Pittsburgh.
Ashley Lewis, Communications Manager
Ashley Lewis works to spread the mission and message of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation through media relations, publications, and online communications. Prior to joining the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, Ashley worked in the media department at GMMB Public Relations. Ashley has also spent time with the National Women’s Political Caucus, where she worked on communications and political strategy. She has a Master’s Degree in Political Management with concentrations in Corporate and Trade Association Public Affairs and Issues Management from George Washington University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Women’s Studies from Loyola University-Chicago.
Sonja Roberts, Event Manager
Sonja Roberts serves the Foundation as a skilled project manager and coordinator of events and people. She has more than a decade of experience planning special events, and successfully managing volunteers, partners and sponsors. Sonja is an active volunteer and is a graduate of Howard University.
Trish Schechtman, Project Manager
Trish Schechtman serves the foundation as project manager and database administrator. Prior to joining the Foundation, she spent 11 years with the Freeman Companies in various capacities, including sales, membership, and hospitality. As a long-time resident of Sussex County, Trish brings first-hand knowledge of the community to her work with the Foundation.