board of directors

Joanna Drake joined the GFR Board of Directors in March 2026. She has been involved with GFR as a parent across both house league and travel soccer programming.

Joanna holds a B.A. from Xavier University, an M.A. from the University of Cincinnati, and a J.D. from Chase College of Law. She is a practicing attorney and currently serves as Associate General Counsel, Nutrition for the Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), a global agriculture and nutrition company. Prior to joining ADM, she worked in private practice and has over a decade of experience representing nonprofit organizations and boards.

Off the field, Joanna enjoys cooking, weight training, and hiking and exploring the outdoors.

Chris Englund joined the GFR Board of Directors in October 2025 as VP of Fields. He has been involved with GFR as a parent, recreational coach, and club volunteer for over 12 years, beginning with the Reston Soccer "Me and My Ball" program. What started as stepping in to coach a rec team in fall 2020 grew into a deep and enduring passion for the game. Chris has since earned U.S. Soccer coaching certifications and accumulated many seasons of experience, currently coaching a U13 rec team and indoor soccer in the winter.

In addition to coaching, Chris has taken an active role in club operations, contributing hands-on volunteer work including lining fields, fixing nets and goals, and supporting the day-to-day needs that keep GFR running. He is passionate about continuing that work as a Board member and helping the club grow.

Kimberly Giras joined the GFR Board of Directors in March 2026, bringing a tenure with the club that dates back to 2014 and the pre-merger "Little Kickers" era. Kimberly brings a 360-degree view of the game, having served as a referee, team captain, and coach, and having played NCAA Division III soccer. She is deeply committed to developing the "whole athlete," leveraging her own experience to help youth players navigate the physical and mental demands of high-level competition.

Professionally, Kimberly is a commercial strategy leader with an MBA from George Washington University, specializing in revenue strategy and product monetization — expertise she will bring to the Board to ensure GFR remains a leader in youth soccer in the region through data-driven decisions and sustainable programming.

Kimberly is energized by the opportunity to merge her professional strategic expertise with her lifelong dedication to the sport to impact the next generation of GFR athletes.

Brad Hummel joined the GFR Board of Directors in Spring 2026, bringing 15 years of involvement in the GFR soccer community — from coaching U5 "Me & My Ball" to leading competitive U19 Boys NCSL teams, including through the merger that created Great Falls Reston Soccer Club. Brad believes a club's true win isn't just the score — it's creating an environment where players stay, grow, and feel valued.

Professionally, Brad serves as a Managing Director at Bart & Associates, where he brings experience in financial and operational oversight and stakeholder management. He also serves as Director of Men's Ministry at Reston Bible Church, reflecting his commitment to community building and strategic leadership. Brad's goal is to bridge the gap between field operations and board governance.  Brad is committed to fostering a unified "one community" culture at GFR through transparent leadership, coach mentorship, and a focus on positive coaching — helping ensure GFR isn't just a place kids play, but an organization that builds better people through the game.

 Diana Lee joined the GFR Board of Directors in January 2026. She has been involved with GFR since 2016 as a parent, team manager, and team treasurer, with experience across house league, travel soccer, and TOPSoccer programming. Diana grew up playing for AFC Lightning and Tophat Soccer Club in Georgia before playing at Princeton University.

Diana holds a B.A. from Princeton University and a J.D. from George Washington University, and brings over two decades of federal service to the Board.

Sasha Pechenik joined the GFR Board of Directors in March 2026, bringing over two decades of experience in accounting and financial leadership. She has been involved with GFR as a parent and team manager for many years, with experience spanning recreational and travel programming.

As a passionate soccer supporter, Sasha has followed the sport at the highest levels, including attending the 2024 Olympic soccer matches and supporting the Washington Spirit. She is excited to bring both her professional expertise and her deep connection to the GFR community to her role on the Board.

Aaron Watson joined the GFR Board of Directors in March 2026. He has been involved with GFR as a parent and as a coach for the past two years.

Professionally, Aaron brings over two decades of experience leading nonprofit organizations and more than a decade of experience consulting and coaching nonprofit leaders in management, leadership, and social impact. He holds degrees in Political Theory and Journalism and spent several years in sports writing (because those who can't do.. .write?) before fully immersing himself in nonprofit leadership and consulting.

Off the field, Aaron is an avid sports fan and film enthusiast, and fully embracing middle age by developing a passion for smoking meats.