The Board of Trustees oversees the affairs of Free Union Country School to ensure adherence to the school's philosophy and mission. The Board develops and establishes policy, assesses the performance of the school, bears responsibility for the school's financial condition and physical plant, and plans for the school's long-term financial health. The Board selects and works cooperatively with the Head of School, delegating administration of the school to the Head who is subject to Board evaluation. Each Trustee acts as an advocate for the School and a supporter of the Head of School.
The Board meets monthly at the school on the first Monday of each month at 7 PM.
Free Union Country School Board of Trustees
| Allison MacDonald, Co-Chair | |
| Vernon Watts, Secretary | |
| Isabelle Baldwin | |
| Joya Elmore | |
| Sean Felix | |
| Ken Horne | |
| Marc Peritz | |
| Tom Romer | |
| Mark Sherriff | |
| John Winn |
Ex Officio Members
Ronée McLaughlin, Interim Head of School ()
Camilla Tolton, Director of Business & Operations
Faculty Representative is a rotating position
Board Biographies
Isabelle Baldwin
2019
Isabelle is a self-employed artist and learned about Free Union from friends she has on the faculty. With a background in education and art and a knowledge and understanding of building and grounds planning, Isabelle looks forward to adding both her professional and her parent perspective to the board. She relaxes horseback riding and spending time with her family.
Joya Elmore
Sean Felix
Ken Horne
2019
Ken works as a psychotherapist at the University of Virginia and is a parent to two enrolled students. His interests of value to the school include strategic planning, fundraising, and community building. In his spare time, Ken devotes time to reading, community organizing, and getting outdoors with family.
Allison MacDonald
Since 2019
Allison lists her vocation as the care and nurture of her four children, which we all know is tantamount to two full-time careers outside the home. In 2009, she came to Free Union with her four daughters and has enthusiastically contributed to the school in many ways—most notably as chair for a number of years of the all-school Spring Fair and now as board co-chair. Allison brings deep organizational and managerial skills and a committed enthusiasm and historical knowledge of place and people to her new role on the board. Recently she completed her RN degree and keeps body and soul together by running, hiking, and cooking. “Go, Hoos!”
Marc Peritz
2018
Marc is an attorney. His son attended preschool at Free Union many years ago. Nica, a former board chair, asked Marc to consider bringing to the school his legal acumen and the perspective of someone committed to the values and goals of the school. Marc enjoys reading, UVA sports, and time with his family.
Tom Romer
2018
Tom is a lawyer and a property investor. As a lifelong resident of Charlottesville, over the years he has known families in the Free Union community and has enjoyed their enthusiasm for the school and its mission. Tom brings to the board professional experience and training in finance and law. His outside interests include reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Mark Sherriff
2018
Mark is a Professor of Computer Science at UVA. He learned about the school from ElizaBeth McCay who taught with his wife. He and Amanda are parents of a Free Union student. Mark brings a wealth of organization and expertise in technology to our school. He confesses, "I love technology in all forms, from building computers to video games."
Vernon Watts
2018
Vernon is an Army Analyst MGIC, and more importantly a parent to Jason, a soon-to-graduate fifth grader. His interests of value to the board of trustees include (but certainly are not limited to) administration, facilities, and management. An avid skier, Vernon finds joy and quality time with Jason as he drives him to after-school and weekend activities.
John Winn
2020
John is the General Counsel at the University of Virginia Investment Management Company. His sons Owen and Liam both attended Free Union for their preschool - 5th grade years, and his wife Beth (Moorman) Winn taught second and third grades at Free Union over two different stints. John is grateful to have been a part of the Free Union community for the past two decades, and most importantly, that his kids had the opportunity to spend their formative years at such a special place. John brings experience with legal matters, corporate governance, and non-profit organizations to his role on the board. On the weekends John can be found riding his bike around the roads of western Albemarle County or finding outdoor adventures with Beth and their two rapidly growing boys.
