Fauquier FISH’s leadership team brings a range of experiences and backgrounds to our mission to end hunger in Fauquier County. Our leadership team consists of an Executive Director, staff, and a Board of Directors.
Our Staff
Charity Furness, Executive Director
Charity Furness was appointed Executive Director of Fauquier FISH in 2021, after volunteering with FISH for over six years. Charity is an Orange County High School graduate with a degree in Nuclear Engineering from Purdue University. She and her husband Steve have called Warrenton home for over a decade. Charity brings a wealth of leadership experience to Fauquier FISH, having served as Executive Director of Experience Old Town Warrenton (EOTW) between 2018 -2021. Charity is the founding director of Fauquier FISH’s Weekend Power Pack program and served as the volunteer Executive Director of FISH from 2015-2018 and board member from 2018-2021.
Megan Oakley, Grant Manager / Volunteer Coordinator
Megan Oakley began volunteering with Fauquier FISH in 2014. A graduate of Fauquier’s Liberty High School, Megan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice and a Master’s degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University.
After a 17-year career managing law enforcement research projects, Megan intentionally shifted her professional focus toward community-based service, first with Fauquier Reaches for Excellence in School Health (FRESH) followed by becoming a staff member at FISH in August 2025. She previously served as FISH’s Board Chair for five years and now manages the organization’s grant and foundation fundraising while supporting the behind-the-scenes operations of the Weekend Power Pack program and overseeing volunteer management.
Megan believes strongly in the power of volunteerism and is grateful to be part of an organization that continues to inspire people to show up, give back, and care for their neighbors.
Chelby Steadman, Programs Manager
Chelby Steadman started volunteering in early 2022 and quickly fell in love with FISH’s Food Pantry. She immersed herself in the organization, managing the day-to-day flow of our open pantry sessions, served on the Board of Directors for two years, and officially joined staff in August 2025. Chelby has a true gift for making everyone around her feel warm & welcomed, clients and volunteers alike!
Our Board
Lisa Tondreau – Board Chair
Retired Partner, IBM
Lisa’s commitment to service began early, shaped by childhood lessons about caring for others and a growing awareness that hunger affects neighbors close to home as well as those far away. That understanding led her to Fauquier FISH, where packing Weekend Power Packs was her first volunteer role.
Today, Lisa primarily serves as a client interface at the food pantry, where she values the opportunity to work closely with neighbors and offer support with dignity and respect. Her hands-on role reflects her belief that strong communities are built through personal connection and kindness.
Lisa is a retired information technology executive and management consultant. She lives in Warrenton and is a proud mom, animal lover, and gardener. Beyond Fauquier FISH, she also volunteers with the historic Warrenton Horse Show and the Fauquier Community Theatre.
Rachael Brinson – Vice-Chair
Town of Remington, Administrator
Rachael and her husband of more than 31 years moved to Fauquier County in 2007 to raise their four children. Deeply committed to community service, Rachael has dedicated nearly two decades to Girl Scouts and is an auxiliary member of the Remington Volunteer Fire Department.
Her local leadership includes service on the Remington Community Gardens Board of Directors, the Remington Fall Festival and Town of Remington Car Show committees, and as the volunteer Remington Farmers Market Manager. Beyond Remington, Rachael serves on the boards of Fauquier FISH and the Virginia Association of Government Archives & Records Administrators.
Professionally, Rachael serves as the Town Clerk and Deputy Treasurer for the Town of Remington, where she brings a strong commitment to stewardship, accountability, and neighbors helping neighbors.
Julie Jones, Past Chair
Retired Insurance Analyst, Inova Health System
Julie Jones has called Fauquier County her home for the last 40 years. Julie first volunteered with Fauquier FISH in 2017, maintaining a consistent presence at both food pantry and Weekend Power Pack (WPP) sessions. In September of 2021, she began leading FISH’s monthly Senior Supplemental Nutrition Program in partnership with the Department of Social Services. Her husband, Gordon also volunteers with the organization. Julie also devotes her time to Northern Virginia Food Rescue and the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
Elaine Harris – Treasurer
Retired Management Accountant, Small Business Support Services
A Warrenton resident since 1984, Elaine is an Accountant, a QuickBooks Coach and owner of Small Business Support Services. Elaine has volunteered with Fauquier FISH since 2000. Elaine was the driving force behind FISH’s 2015 transformation of the ‘food bank’ into the nutrition focused Fauquier FISH Food Pantry. She is the creator of the DASH (Delicious, Affordable, Simple, and Healthy) food pantry meals program.
Linda Boaz – Secretary
Retired, Fairfax County Government
Linda moved to Fauquier County in 1987, where she and her husband raised their two daughters. She began her career in information technology working with Department of Defense contractors before joining Fairfax County government, where she served for 36 years and retired in 2024.
Throughout her adult life, Linda has been deeply involved in volunteer leadership, serving on boards and committees connected to her children’s schools and activities, including PTOs and sports organizations. Following retirement, she sought opportunities to give back more broadly to the Fauquier County community and surrounding rural areas.
Linda was introduced to Fauquier FISH through a family connection and was drawn not only to the organization’s work addressing food insecurity, but to the compassion and respect shown by its staff and volunteers. As she became more involved, she gained a deeper appreciation for FISH’s efforts to support seniors and school-aged children, promote healthy food choices, and provide complete meal kits that meet neighbors where they are. Inspired by the real and lasting impact on clients, Linda is honored to support Fauquier FISH in strengthening and refining services that reflect true neighbors helping neighbors.