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 related to the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation including development and fundraising. Jean works to oversee all ongoing projects and programming that honors the legacy of Josh Freeman. 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 programming and summer performances at the future home of the Joshua M. Freeman Center for the Arts. 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 both the Joshua M. and Carl M. Freeman Foundations. Don began his career with Ernst & Young (then Ernst & Ernst) and has more than 20 years of experience in senior accounting and management positions with various manufacturing and service corporations. His most recent experience includes 5 years of not-for-profit experience as the Director of Finance & Operations for the Providence Center in Anne Arundel County. Don brings a unique mix of for-profit, not-for-profit, 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 Joshua M. Freeman Foundation through media relations, publications, and online communications. Prior to joining the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, Ashley worked in the media department at GMMB Public Relations. She also has experience in fundraising and strategic communications. She has a Master’s Degree in Political Management with concentrations in Corporate and Trade Association Public Affairs and Issues Management from The 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.