Greg McCandless Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election

RESTON, VA — Seven candidates are running in the month-long Reston Association Board of Directors election.

All RA members who are in good standing are eligible to cast ballots starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 and ending at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. The 2026-2027 Board of Directors will be announced at the Annual Members' Meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

At-Large Director (3-year term):

• John Farrell
• Greg McCandless
• Daton Lynch

Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director (2-year term)

• Georgina Cannan
• Nathen Phillips
• Ramon Pardo

Apartment Owners' Representative (3-year term)

• Margaret Perry

A 10 percent quorum is required for the results of the election to be official.

Paper ballots will be mailed to eligible RA members, who may also choose to vote electronically. Questions about the RA election may be sent to electionscommittee@reston.org. Request your electronic ballot by emailing: eballot.request@reston.org.

In order to help voters learn more about the candidates and their positions, Patch invited each candidate to fill out a questionnaire. Here are Greg McCandless' responses.

Name

Greg McCandless

Please specify which seat on the Reston Association Board you are running for:

At Large Candidate 3-Year Term

Education

Professional coursework, continuing education, and the CMCA (Certified Manager of Community Associations) credential focused on leadership, governance, and community management.

Occupation

HOA Board President and community leader with a background in telecommunications sales and residential community operations.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

President, Board of Directors — The Mercer, A Condominium (Reston)

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My perspective is grounded in day-to-day board governance. As a current board president, I regularly work through budgets, reserves, vendor oversight, and resident concerns in real time, which gives me a practical understanding of how board decisions affect communities. As a lifelong Reston resident, I also bring a deep appreciation for the community’s history and values. Together, that combination of hands-on governance experience and personal connection to Reston shapes my approach to steady, thoughtful leadership focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and long-term stability.

What issues define your campaign platform?

• Responsible fiscal stewardship and long-term capital planning
• Transparent governance and consistent communication with members
• Preservation of Reston’s founding principles and community character
• Member-focused service and engagement
• Thoughtful oversight of facilities and infrastructure to sustain Reston’s assets

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As President of The Mercer Board of Directors, I’ve worked through governance matters requiring collaboration with fellow directors, management, and legal counsel. That experience strengthened my ability to support transparent decision-making, maintain fiscal oversight, and address resident concerns constructively while keeping long-term sustainability in mind.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office a success?

Success would mean helping the Board operate with stability and clarity while strengthening communication with members and supporting thoughtful long-term planning. If residents feel informed, engaged, and confident in how resources and amenities are managed, that would be a meaningful measure of success.

What is your vision for the Reston community?

I envision a Reston that continues to reflect its founding ideals — strong community connections, natural beauty, and thoughtful planning — while adapting responsibly to change. Having lived in Reston my entire life, I value the balance between growth and preservation and believe maintaining that balance is essential to the community’s long-term vitality.

The best advice shared with me was:

Listen first. Effective leadership begins with understanding different perspectives and making thoughtful decisions grounded in respect and collaboration.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a lifelong Reston resident, I have experienced firsthand the qualities that make this community special. I’m running because I believe steady, thoughtful governance matters. My approach is collaborative and focused on long-term stewardship so that Reston remains a place where current and future generations can continue to live, work, and connect in meaningful ways.