Office Hours
Our offices on the 2nd floor of the Old School at 40222 Fairfax Street are open to the public, Tuesday-Friday, 10am-2pm or by appointment. Staff can be reached via email anytime (see links on individual profiles).
Stephanie Thompson | Executive Director
Stephanie joined the staff of the Foundation as Executive Director in 2018 after serving several years on the Board of Directors. While on the Board Stephanie served as chair of the Education Committee and later as President of the Board. Originally from Georgia, Stephanie moved to Waterford after completing degrees in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has always had a love for local history and enjoys learning and sharing stories of Waterford’s past. Stephanie lives in Waterford in the William O. Russell House with her husband and three children.
Cerrena Baird | Office Manager
Cerrena joined the Waterford Foundation in August 2021. A lucky child to be born and raised in Loudoun, she had the pleasure to call it home for the first 27 years of her life. While she now resides in Harper’s Ferry with her husband, son and pets, she will always consider Loudoun home. Cerrena completed her Bachelor’s at Shepherd University in Business Management and Hospitality. Upon completion, she entered into the world of weddings in Northern Virginia at venues like Rust Manor House in Leesburg and The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. She has most enjoyed contributing to the success of Loudoun venues and Northern Virginia weddings as a whole for almost 10 years. In her spare time, you can find Cerrena on her paddle board or kayak on the Potomac River, crafting, checking out a new brewery or winery, or camping.
Tracy Kirkman | Public Programming Director
Tracy Kirkman joined the Foundation in 2016, the year after the Fair had been canceled due to a hurricane. Tracy brought over 20 years of membership management and event planning to the Foundation. She received her BS in Business Management with a minor in Hospitality Marketing from the University of Maryland. A Virginia resident since 2006, Tracy resides just outside the village, on a small farm and vineyard with her husband, son, and many, many animals. When not working, she can usually be found outside — tending sheep, working around the farm, hiking or enjoying the beautiful Loudoun County vistas at local wineries and breweries.
Shelagh Jessop | Public Programming Assistant
Shelagh (sounds like Shay-la) joined the Waterford Foundation in May 2023. After receiving her degree in Textile Design, she put her skills to work in the world of theater and museum education before becoming a professional textile artist almost a decade ago. Shelagh currently runs a natural dye company (Stuart Moores Textiles) out of her Maryland-based studio. When not working, you can find Shelagh in the garden, on the towpath, in the river, or at a brewery on top of a hill overlooking the river.
Abigail Zurfluh | Historic Preservation Director
Abigail joined the Waterford Foundation in August 2023. Born, raised, and currently living in Loudoun County, she has spent many hours exploring all the county has to offer. Abigail received her Bachelor’s in historic preservation and geography from the University of Mary Washington. In her spare time, you can find Abigail adventuring around Loudoun and the surrounding area, playing board and card games with friends and family, or at the batting cages.
