Old Town North Alliance Annual Meeting:

“Connecting the Dots” in Old Town North

On December 10, 2024, the Old Town North Alliance (“OTNA”) held our Annual Meeting at The Hub at Canal Center. The meeting was well-attended by a mix of residents, City officials, business owners and employees, property owners/developers, and other individuals and organizations invested in the future of Old Town North.

Old Town North Alliance Annual Meeting - December 12, 2024 (image courtesy of Friends of the Mt. Vernon Trail)

OTNA President Ryan Whitaker started the meeting with a review of OTNA’s founding principles and a summary of OTNA accomplishments in 2024. Whitaker provided Arts & Cultural Anchor updates for The Art League and MetroStage as well as development updates for the various projects underway in Old Town North.

Finally, Whitaker outlined a list of OTNA Priorities for 2025: 1) advocacy for the Arts & Cultural District, 2) advocacy for smart growth and local businesses, 3) continuation of our marketing/branding effort for the Old Town North neighborhood, 4) continuation of public event programming, 5) continuation of our Membership Drive to engage more of the Old Town North community in our efforts, and 6) advocacy for the conversion of the Norfolk Southern rail line to public open space. Catherine Miliaras, a Principal Planner with the City of Alexandria, provided a brief update on the City’s renewed efforts to explore conversion of the Norfolk Southern rail line.

One final order of business was electing two new members to the OTNA Board of Directors for 2025. Please join us in welcoming the two newest members of the OTNA Board of Directors: Maria Elizabeth, owner of Salon deZEN, and Tommy Volk, Old Town North resident and small business owner.

Maria Elizabeth

Owner, Salon deZEN

Maria Elizabeth is the owner of Salon deZEN, a socially conscious salon located in Old Town North. Salon deZEN is in the process of moving into 533 Montgomery Street. Maria Elizabeth is deeply invested in the community and is passionate about creating positive, sustainable impacts through her salon’s services and practices. Salon deZEN prioritizes eco-friendly initiatives, local partnerships, and community engagement.

In addition to running deZEN, Maria Elizabeth has completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, both of which have strengthened her commitment to supporting local businesses and fostering leadership within our community.

Maria Elizabeth is excited to bring her experience as a business owner and advocate for social responsibility, and she looks forward to working alongside others who are equally committed to fostering growth and connection in Old Town North.

Tommy Volk

Old Town North Resident

Northern VA CyberSecurity business owner

Tommy Volk is the owner of a cybersecurity business in Northern Virginia and has dedicated his career to national service. Tommy is also heavily invested in the local community and has lived in Alexandria for 20 years, 10 in Old Town North (OTN). Tommy and his wife Alena recently invested in their forever home at the Venue and are excited to be part of the OTN Alliance.

Tommy and Alena are frequent patrons of, and contributors to, the arts, and fancy themselves as DIY creators. Tommy and Alena spend their free time exploring the community and traveling for inspiration to design and fabricate functional art and home decor.

Tommy and Alena are looking forward to the development and growth of OTN, and are excited for a balanced community of businesses, residences, culture, and nature. Tommy looks forward to becoming even more involved in the neighborhood as an OTN Alliance Board Member and as a representative for OTN residents.

If you would like to join the Alliance, please contact director@otnalliance.org