The Mosby Heritage Area Association recently added seven new members to its board of directors. Organized to preserve and increase public knowledge of the Area's historic and cultural resources, the Association announces the election of Tara Connell of Unison, Jake Dunning of St. Louis, Charles Ellison of Winchester, Barry Freeman of Boyce, Patrick Mountain of Leesburg, Suzanne Obetz of The Plains and Tara Trout of The Plains.

Tara Connell is president of the Unison Preservation Society, where she has lived since 1999. Originally from New York, she enjoyed a 38-year career with the Gannett Co., Inc. newspaper company. She has been a Loudoun County Master Gardener and previously served on the Board of Long Branch in Clarke County from 2012-2014, including as chair.

Jake Dunning is the proprietor of Throwleigh Club Fenders which makes brass fireplace fenders. In addition, he works on the family farm.

Charles Ellison is a First Vice President for Morgan Stanley and has served on the Board of Hill School and as a volunteer at Land Trust of Virginia.

Barry Freeman worked for ABC News as a video editor for 35 years. He now owns and operates Loudoun Video Concepts a video production and real estate aerial photography business. Barry has also volunteered for many years as a "Trail Overseer" helping to maintain a section of the Appalachian Trail near Paris, Virginia.

Patrick Mountain served in the State Department. Since retirement he has volunteered with the Mosby Heritage Area Association, served as chair of the board of the Friends of Balls Bluff, and as a volunteer at that battlefield.

Suzanne Obetz is the Executive Director of the Middleburg Museum. Previously, she served as executive director of the Warren County Heritage Society and as interim Director of the Fauquier Historical Society. Obetz is active with Land Trust of Virginia and the Great Meadow Foundation.

Tara Trout is an assistant vice-president with the farm and equine insurance division of Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, Inc., serves on the board of the Upperville Colt & Horse Show and is an active equestrienne.

Mosby Heritage Area Chairman Stephen C. Price said, "We are delighted to have such distinguished and talented neighbors to join our board. We are committed to being vigorous advocates for the preservation of protection of the Heritage Area's historic and cultural landscape and resources, and their addition to our board will increase our effectiveness."