South Riding Homeowners Association president steps down
By Elizabeth Coe
Stephanie Smith, who has served as president of the board of directors for the South Riding Homeowners Association since 2005, stepped down at the community’s annual meeting April 10.She will be replaced by Craig Garant, vice president of the board.
It was an emotional goodbye as fellow board members spoke about Smith’s achievements over the past few years, and she broke into tears while giving her final speech as president.
“I really do appreciate the honor,” she said. “To be recognized by one’s peers is particularly meaningful.”
Smith was presented with some parting gifts, including a framed photograph of members of the board accepting a recent Association of the Year award from the Washington Metropolitan Chapter Community Associations Institute.
“I’m glad before I stepped down, South Riding was recognized as community of the year,” Smith said. “I can not express how deeply I appreciate the work of my fellow volunteers.”
Smith was the association’s first president since the South Riding board came under homeowner control in 2005. She has served the community over the past nine years on various committees, including the Communications Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
She also helped launch the Neighborhood Watch Committee in 2004.
In her closing remarks, Smith urged others to be more aware of the working relationship between the HOA board and the developer, Toll Brothers.
“The developer has built a foundation of success in South Riding,” she said. “It’s easy for people to 'villainize' developers, but those people have never tried to meet them halfway. I appreciate Toll Brothers and their dedication to South Riding.”
South Riding resident Kevin Turner was also elected to serve on the board of directors. The results of the election were counted just prior to the annual meeting.
Contact the reporter at ecoe@timespapers.com