The Laurel Ridge Community College Board has a new leader.
William C. “Bill” Daniel was named board chair in June. Daniel, who is the coordinator of data management for Frederick County Public Schools, has been a Clarke County representative to the board since 2012.
He is a 1991 graduate of Laurel Ridge, and taught for the college’s adult education program after graduating from the University of Virginia in 1994 with a bachelor’s of science degree in math and a master’s degree in teaching.
Prior to his position with Frederick County Public Schools, Daniel was a math teacher in Loudoun County Public Schools, and spent 15 years as an assistant principal at James Wood High School. He is married to Clarke County Supervisor Mary Costello Daniel, an attorney, and they have a 10-year-old daughter.
Daniel is proud of the growing significance Laurel Ridge has in the region.
“It’s just amazing to me the impact that Lord Fairfax has in so many areas,” he says. “The brilliant thing about what the Virginia Community College System has done, and Lord Fairfax does in particular, is being ahead of the curve when it comes to knowing what the community needs and what the economy needs.”
Laurel Ridge President Kim Blosser is pleased to have Daniel at the helm.
“With his leadership experience, his long career in education and his equally long connection to Laurel Ridge, Bill is the perfect person to serve as our College Board chair,” she says. “He sees the value that Lord Fairfax provides to our students – whether they’re here to earn a credential to further their career, to gain certification to start their career, to attain their associate degree on their way to a bachelor’s degree or higher, or simply on the path of lifelong learning. He has always been a strong supporter of our mission.
“Bill even recorded radio commercials for Laurel Ridge in the 1990s. We’re thrilled to still have him promoting all the great things the college can offer our community.”
Also recently appointed to the 14-member College Board:
- Jeffrey Boppe, representing Frederick County. He is market president/executive vice president at Virginia National Bank.
- Benjamin Freakley, representing Shenandoah County. He is a retired three-star general who was commanding general of the Combined Joint Task Force-76 in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He currently is a professor at Arizona State University, where he is special advisor to the ASU president and serves at the McCain Institute for International Leadership.
- Bradford Hodgson, representing Winchester. An Laurel Ridge alumnus, he is a project manager with Navy Federal Credit Union.
- Andrew Keller, representing Shenandoah County. He is a retired Warren County Public Schools principal.
Members serve four-year terms, and are limited to two successive terms. The chair position is for two-years. The vice-chair is Pamela McInnis.