Board member bios
We bring different perspectives to the table, but we’re united by a love for the Alexandria community and historic preservation especially Gadsby’s Tavern’s unique role in the new republic’s formation.
Society Leadership
Ron Vassallo
Ron Vassallo is CEO of Kaptivate, an Old Town-based, strategic consulting firm focused on innovation and growth. He’s also Vice Chairman of the Data Foundation board. An Alexandrian for more than 30 years, he’s passionate about historic preservation and the role played by taverns in shaping the early republic.
Why He Joined GTMS
I joined the Gadsby’s Tavern Museum Society board out of a lifelong love of history, a deep appreciation for the American democratic experiment, and some friendly pressure.
President
CathY Muldoon
Secretary
Treasurer
Catherine Van Way
Vice President
Andrew Freeman
Andy Freeman is an active duty, fourth-generation US Navy officer working in submarine design and construction. He has served in a variety of roles at sea on submarines and in the shipyard in operations, engineering, contract oversight, and program management. He lives in Alexandria, VA with his two children.
Why He Joined GTMS
My connection to Gadsby’s began through my family. My oldest child served as a junior docent, an experience that left a lasting impression on us. When the opportunity arose to join the board, I welcomed the chance to support a program that meant so much to my family and Alexandria.
Board Members
Will Dunbar
Will Dunbar is semi-retired after a 40-year career in venture capital, including 27 years co-founding Core Capital Partners in Washington, DC, where he focused on early-stage enterprise software investments. He continues to serve on several private company boards and is increasingly involved with nonprofit boards and investment committees. A lifelong history enthusiast, he lives with his wife in a 150-year-old home in Old Town Alexandria.
Why He Joined GTMS
I have long been passionate about historic preservation, especially Alexandria’s colonial history, which drew me to Gadsby’s Tavern when my family moved here 40 years ago.
Board Member
Board Member
Michele Farquhar
Michele Farquhar is a partner in the communications and technology practice at Hogan Lovells. She has held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Federal Communications Bar Association and its charitable foundation, and President of the Duke Alumni Association. Her public service includes senior positions at the FCC and NTIA, and she has served on the boards of St. John’s College and Duke University.
Why She Joined GTMS
I grew up near Alexandria and have long enjoyed visiting Old Town’s historic sites, and I’ve maintained a strong interest in historic preservation. Gadsby’s Tavern serves as a bridge between past and present, and I’m proud to support its mission and legacy.
Anthony Priest
Board Member
Anthony Priest, a longtime resident of Alexandria, has held a variety of positions in real estate development and education, using his engineering and business background. He is currently Chief of Staff for the Rural Housing Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Why He Joined GTMS
The Gadsby Tavern is a treasure from early US History, one which deserves preserving, protecting and promoting. The tavern from the formative era in our history, has been provided to us, and it is our duty to pass it along, hopefully in an improved condition, to future generations. Happy 250th!
Board Member
Melissa Newman
Jennifer Warren
Board Member | Former President
Why She Joined GTMS