Board of Directors

Colleen Lovelace, Secretary

Colleen has deep roots in Northern Virginia. She grew up in Fairfax County but has lived in Leesburg for 30+ years. She received her BS from James Madison University in Business and Computers and spent over 20 years as a Systems Engineer, selling and installing network software for federal agencies. Her passions are rooted in the service dog community, where she serves as a puppy raiser for Heeling House. She volunteers her time as a mentor and judge for the Loudoun Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Loudoun Youth’s Step-Up Loudoun program, and the Virginia DECA program."

Ian Shanholtz: Board member & Neurodiversity Mentor

Ian’s leadership is focused on supporting our expanding neurodivergent staff, apprentices, mentors, and Board Members in developing neurodiversity advocacy and messaging that is both empowering and authentic based on personal experience. He also brings entrepreneurial agriculture experience and unbridled enthusiasm to Legacy Farms. He proudly self-identifies as neurodivergent. In fact, he wears it as a badge of honor that his lifelong perceived learning disability makes him a man of strong character today.

Harish Bikmal: Board Member

Harish is a Senior Director of Product Management at Equifax Inc., and Co-Founder of Zenaviv. Harish has built and launched multiple products for teachers and parents to help kids on the autism spectrum. Harish holds an MBA from Duke University and an Executive Certificate in Social Impact Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania. Harish’s son is an artist at Zenaviv and an apprentice at Legacy Farms.

Deb Haynes Swider: Board Member

Deb is Owner & Chief Strategist of Loud & Clear Marketing, LLC. She has helped companies across the United States, including trade associations in the DC metro area, non-profit organizations who are changing the world, and politicians. A recovering lawyer, she also knows how to run the operations of a business. She's good at giving orders, making plans, and executing them. She has a Master's degree in foreign policy.

Paul Wilkinson: Board Member

Paul has over 25+ years of experience in technical and leadership positions supporting commercial, federal and DoD programs. Paul is the Executive Vice President of Business Development at 1901 Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, leading Business Development, Capture Management, Marketing and Partner Channels. Paul graduated from George Mason University with BS in Finance.

Yasmeen Shields: Board Member

Yasmeen is a successful local entrepreneur and an executive & leader with the Loudon Chamber of Commerce as the Membership Director.   For nearly a decade, Yasmeen has owned and managed Yasmeen’s Sassy Wreath, a boutique artisan small business she founded.  A graduate of the New York Institute of Technology, with a degree in Communications, Yasmeen is married to her husband, Joseph, an attorney, and is the proud mother of Christopher & Madison.  Yasmeen lives, works, and loves Loudoun County. 

Lawrence Korchnak: Board Member 

Lawrence is the Founder and Principal of BLOQQ, a consulting firm that helps early-stage and mission-driven organizations grow effectively and efficiently. His career includes leadership roles at major global publishing companies and with startups focused on helping underserved communities. Lawrence has guided organizations from product launch to sustainable revenue, including successful acquisitions and exits. He has also served as a nonprofit executive in the developmental disability community and in board governance roles, with responsibility for both earned and contributed revenue, leading donor, foundation, sales, and consulting strategies.

John Keeling: Chair, Growth & Development committee

John is a Senior Vice President with the Motley Fool in Alexandria, VA. John has over twenty years of experience in consumer online services and enterprise software, including group project management, strategic business planning, and developing strategic business partnerships. John received his Master’s from Virginia Tech, and his PhD from Stanford University. His son is a junior staff member at Legacy Farms.

ADAM BELL: Co-Chair Ambassador Circle

After being an ongoing volunteer, Adam joined the Board of Directors in the summer of 2019. He is a lifetime resident of Leesburg and an alumnus of Loudoun County High School. For over 20 years, Adam has been employed at the Ida Lee Recreation Center and is described by many as a public relations expert, devoted community member, and tireless team player.

Martha Schonberger: OUR Beloved Founder

Martha founded Legacy Farms in 2012 along with a committed group of public school teachers, parents, and community members. She was active in initiating Legacy Farms as a summer program, and began handing over the nonprofit to Laurie and Billie Jo in 2019, while remaining active on our Board until her passing in 2022.

Martha held a Masters in Environmental Law and Public Policy, and was a high school Special Education Teacher in Loudoun County. She worked with students with ASD from ages 5-22. Her autism program specialized in vocational training, providing work experience, and successfully integrating her students into the community.

Legacy Farms is in the processs of establishing the Martha A Schonberger Fund in partnership with Martha’s family members who were involved in the intial founding and growing of the organization.