Rockville, Md. – July 22, 2026 – Montgomery Community Media (MCM) is pleased to announce the election of five new members to its Board of Directors: Tonda Bean, Alan Bowser, Esq., Jim Neustadt, Wendie Veloz, and David Yao. Each brings extensive experience in leadership, communications, nonprofit management, public service, and community engagement that will help guide MCM’s mission of connecting people.
After an extensive recruiting process, the new members were elected at a board meeting on July 15, 2026. Appointees were carefully vetted for their diverse professional backgrounds and longstanding commitment to serving communities across Montgomery County and beyond. Together, they will help strengthen MCM’s strategic direction as the organization continues expanding its local news coverage, media education programs, and community partnerships.
“We’re excited to welcome these exceptional leaders whose expertise and passion for community service will help shape the future of local media in Montgomery County,” said Jeffrey Slavin, President of the MCM Board of Directors.
“As new technologies transform how content is created and consumed, MCM must continue to evolve while remaining true to our mission of informing, engaging, and empowering our community. Our newly elected Board members bring the leadership needed to help guide that transformation,” said Jasmine White, MCM’s Chief Executive Officer.
Meet the New Board Members
Tonda Bean is a speaker, trainer, and youth development professional whose work focuses on career exploration and experiential learning. She has served in leadership roles with organizations including The Parent Encouragement Program, the National Speakers Association DC Chapter, and Business & Professional Women of Montgomery County.
Alan Bowser, Esq. is President and Executive Director of The Silver Spring Town Center and has more than 30 years of legal, public sector, and nonprofit leadership experience. A longtime advocate for the arts and civic engagement, he also founded the annual Silver Spring Blues Festival and has held leadership roles with the Committee for Montgomery.
Jim Neustadt is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and communications executive with experience spanning broadcast journalism, public utilities, and the intelligence community. His expertise includes strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications, and organizational leadership, and serves on several nonprofit boards.
Wendie Veloz is a social impact strategist, executive coach, and founder of Wendie Veloz Enterprises, LLC. With more than 15 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and organizational development, she serves on the boards of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce and BlackRock Center for the Arts while helping organizations create sustainable community impact.
David Yao has dedicated more than 25 years to nonprofit leadership and currently serves with the U.S.-China Education Trust. His extensive board experience includes leadership positions with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Bel Cantanti Opera, the Organization of Chinese Americans Greater DC Chapter, and the Montgomery County Sign Variance Board.
As MCM continues to grow its local journalism, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives, the organization looks forward to the leadership and perspectives these new board members will bring.
At the July 15 board meeting, all current members and officers of MCM’s Board of Directors were reelected. The returning individuals include Jud Ashman, Juanita Farmer, Carmen Frazier, Dottie Li, Eric Myers, Vernon Ricks, Jeffrey Slavin, and Heidi Webb.
