Mike Collins - Reston Association Board of Directors Representative - North Point District

I’m originally from Boston and have lived in cities and suburbs across the country. As envisioned by Robert E. Simon Jr., Reston is an amazing combination of both and I pledge to continue the traditions of community and innovation he established.

I went to college at UC Berkeley, where I studied urban development and city planning. After graduating, I became very knowledgeable about homeowners associations in an unusual way. As a volunteer, I lead the very first homeowner's associations for Habitat for Humanity and established a model used throughout the country.

During law school, I worked at a city attorney's office, and advised community economic development organizations in my neighborhood. After a few years as a litigator, I helped start a small management consulting firm. We survived the recession as long as possible, but eventually closed up shop.

When presented with the opportunity to expand my business to Virginia and give my kids the chance to live near their grandparents, I took it. My wife went to Herndon High and she probably never imagined that our two sons would go to Buzz Aldrin Elementary and LANK, but here we are and we could not be happier. Most recently, I became an aide to a member of Congress and spend my days immersed in public policy and politics.

Given my experience in law, government and small business, I feel I have something to contribute and hope my campaign will encourage my peers to do so too.