Eric Simpson took over as chair of the McLean Trees Foundation this spring.
Number of years in the community. 30 Years.
Family. Loving spouse, Rene; children, Jack Z., 8; Claire C., 7; Laura Jane, 5.
Education. Virginia Tech Undergraduate Economics and just enough graduate course work to be dangerous.
Current job/primary occupation? Arlington County, Business Tax Division.
Achievements. CPA.
Activities/Interests/Hobbies. McLean Trees Foundation, chairman after serving as a volunteer for the long-standing Richard Poole who passed earlier this year. Hiking in Scott's Run Nature Preserve, Canoeing on the Potomac.
Favorite local restaurant or place in the community? Three Pigs Restaurant, Greenberry's Coffee.
What are your community concerns? What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? I think that we have to continue to embrace and manage the urbanization of McLean. Densities and are going to continue to increase and should license to those planners who aim to make our community more livable in the downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods. And, at the same time allowing for the processes of development and renewal that a vibrant area has. The most challenging aspect is to fund the public works side of these efforts, put resources into the hands of the local task groups.
What brought you here? Dragged along with my parent's relocation and in my travels, never found a better place to live.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? The Scott's Run Nature Preserve: beautiful, peaceful, and healthful hikes that are five minutes away.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" Submariner.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Listening to my kids tell me about the world through their insights.
Personal goals? Financial independence and the wisdom to enjoy it.