Dana Kauffman has served as Director of College Government Affairs and Community Relations for Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) since 2008. He also provides staff support to the NOVA College Board and represents NOVA on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission.

Prior to joining the college staff, Dana was a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for three terms. In this capacity, he served a member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors (Metro), Virginia Railway Express Operations Board, and Northern Virginia Transportation Commission for twelve years including service as Chair of all three bodies.

Prior to his public service, Dana was the Vice President of Operations for a regional residential and commercial property management company and served as a Commissioner on the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

Dana was a Torch Bearer in the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay and his public service awards include the Edward J. Dentz Award for Americanism from the American Legion, the Senior Guardian Medal of Honor from the Seniors Coalition, the Les Dorson Distinguished Public Service Leadership Award from the Lee District Association of Civic Organizations and two distinguished service awards from the Virginia Transit Association.

Dana holds graduate and undergraduate degrees from George Mason University in Public Administration. Dana and his wife Kathy live in the Alexandria part of Fairfax County. Their son Ethan is a NOVA graduate and is currently an Engineering student at George Mason University.

Tykesha Myrick

Tykesha Myrick serves as the Chief of Staff for the President and the liaison between NOVA and the U.S. Congress and executive agencies. In addition, she provides logistical support, monitors and analyzes legislation and regulations, coordinates visits to government agencies, and communicates current topics of interest to NOVA partners and stakeholders.

Tykesha has served NOVA in several roles, including Coordinator of Student Success, Campus Financial Aid Manager, Adjunct SDV Instructor, and Virtual Advisor. Additionally, she served as a member of the American Council of Education Virginia Network Senior Women’s Leadership Seminar, NOVA Women’s Network Advisory Board, College Senate, and campus chair for Achieving the Dream.

Tykesha earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from The University of South Carolina and a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration from Walden University.