Liz Bradsher remembers what her father said about education: that it is something no one can take from a person. Years ago, concern over the education of children in the Lorton area brought Bradsher into community service, and she became a key player in the installation of South County Secondary School. She has served on boards such the Athletic Council, Laurel Hill Task Force and the Occoquan Watershed Board. Now, she is running for the Springfield District School Board seat, vacated by Cathy Belter, in November. Bradsher was also named "Community Champion" by Volunteer Fairfax and Supervisor Elaine McConnell (R-Springfield). She is this week's People Profile.
How long have you lived in the area? I was born in Arlington, and I lived in Fairfax my whole life. I grew up on Wakefield Chapel Drive before Northern Virginia Community College was even there. It was a farm, Pruitt Farm, and the only place to shop was Seven Corners.
Family: I have a husband, Don and two girls. I have a 17-year-old who is a junior and a 12-year-old who is in seventh grade. Both go to South County, both went to public schools and both are great kids. And my husband's good too, for letting me do this.
Education: I went to Mantua Elementary School, then I went to St. Leo's, and then I went to O'Connell. I went to Villanova University and I have a BSBA in business administration, and I took some grad courses at George Mason in finance.
Job history: I worked for what at that time was called Blue Cross Blue Shield in healthcare benefits, and then I went on to work for Marriott. I worked with healthcare benefits and statistical analysis with regards to employee utilization, and then based upon that utilization formulating plans that would respond to healthcare needs. I really liked working for Marriott, they're a great company. After that I had my first child and it was too far to commute so I stayed home for a while and started doing consulting work for my old bosses. I did projects now and then and began to get interested in civic issues because this is my home.
What got you started in civic issues? The first thing I got involved in was realizing there was no high school for our area other than Hayfield. Going to O'Connell, I was put on a bus every morning at 6:30 to get to O'Connell or my dad would drive me all that way, and I was not part of the community. I realized the situation with Hayfield and that was not good. … So first we had to prove that we did have the numbers in our school to justify building and we did. … We hit wall after wall but I found a way to go around it and say, "That’s not a good answer."
Activities/interests/hobbies: I really like playing sports. I played a lot of tennis. I used to play a lot of soccer until I messed up my knee. I like swimming when I can get to go swimming. I've played sports my whole life. I like music: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. I'm definitely in love with Darryl Hall of Hall & Oates.
What made you decide to run for the School Board? I spent so much time working on school issues, even of curriculum, of facilities. I feel I have such an understanding of the CIP, of the issues, of the players involved. I think I could be an effective member on the School Board and I think I could be a very effective member of the Springfield District. I know we have a lot of issues in this district right now that have to be resolved for the sake of the residents and the kids. It's time that someone with an aggressive stance goes forward, who knows how to coalesce with others, to get something done in a positive way.
Favorite place to hang out in the community: We don't have that many places around here because it's just building out. I love to hang out with my friends. I love to have a good laugh.
Community concerns: I have real concerns with respect to the future growth of South County, with respect to getting West Springfield High School on the CIP for renovations, which they dearly need. I have concerns with Lake Braddock, I know they're finishing up their renovation and I want to make sure that's done correctly and I know it has been. I have concerns with where Chantilly and Centreville are, and also all the elementary schools and curriculum. I know there are concerns out to the west with regards to the grade structure and I want to get to know more about what such concerns are.
To you, what is the value of public education? As my dad said, education is something no one can ever take away from you. So when you are given the opportunity to have a great public education you should take it, because it’s a great opportunity. Fairfax County is one of the best school systems in the country. We're struggling with issues of diversity, responding to diversity and languages; we're struggling with a $2.2 billion backlog for facilities and issues with respect to state funding. Those are issues that need to be responded to but and education is invaluable, you have it your whole life.
Where would you go on a road trip? I watch "The Deadliest Catch." When I worked for Marriott, they'd always put in your pay stub, "We have this great discount, you can go to such-and-such a place," and ever since I worked for Marriott I wanted to take the Alaskan cruise, go out to Seattle and then go up to Alaska. But only 20 people. I didn't want a huge cruise ship; I wanted to go places where they don't normally go.
What's on your car radio? XM Big Tracks.
Personal goals: Obviously to win in November, because I feel like I owe this to myself for working so hard to get the school built, and I owe it to the people of this district to win, to make sure that the needs of this district are responded to appropriately and not just given lip service. Those days are gone. And they're not just gone in the Springfield District, they should be gone in every district. We have a population that is bright and intelligent and we must step up to the plate and respond to their needs.