Name: Brennan Johnson
Age: 26
Occupation: District Liaison, Office of Congressman Tom Perriello
1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I am originally from a hog farm in Iowa. My mom is from inner-city Philadelphia and my dad is from a dairy farm in rural Iowa, which resulted in an interesting childhood of John Deere tractors, modern dance classes, sweet corn, opera performances on PBS and, of course, hogs. I majored in philosophy and have worked in for-profit and non-profit organizations. In my current position, I help localities find and secure federal resources for local projects that will help them achieve the vision they have for their communities.
2) What brought you to Charlottesville?
I moved to Charlottesville to work with the Ron Brown Scholar Program. I am a 2001 Ron Brown Scholar and I took an internship with the program after graduating college. I fell in love with Charlottesville and decided to stay when my internship ended. When I was offered a position in the congressional office, I was thrilled at the opportunity to give back to the area.
3) Why did you decide to become a Future Fund member?
I decided to become a Future Fund member from a desire both to offer my support to local nonprofit efforts and to connect with others who are interested in meeting the needs of our neighbors. The nonprofit community in the Charlottesville-area is rich in ideas, passion, and expertise and I wanted to be a part of a group that helps charitable organizations do what they do best.
4) What is your favorite aspect of being a member?
I enjoy the membership-directed nature of the Future Fund and the opportunity for all members to participate directly in its impact. I am a member of the Events Committee and I am encouraged by the creativity of the group. I love that the Fund draws on the skills, insights, and experiences of its members to build its capacity and expand its reach.
5) Favorite philanthropist or charity?
I can't name a favorite; I get excited by social innovation and home-grown solutions to problems of social importance. I also love when those solutions involve person-to-person interaction and empowerment.
6) Three things you can't live without?
(1) my Bible, (2) my journal, and (3) my morning coffee
Name: Erin Malec
Age: 32
Occupation: Director of External Relations, GreenBlue
1) Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where I first developed a passion for football and politics. After attending college at U. Penn in Philadelphia, I moved to San Francisco and became immersed in its vibrant nonprofit scene. My career in the time since has spanned nonprofit work in environmental issues, women’s health, and gay rights. For the last three years I’ve worked with an amazing local sustainability nonprofit, GreenBlue, and have more recently become an active board member of the Martha Jefferson Neighborhood Association. When I’m not working I spend most of my time with my husband, our cats, and the Chicago Bears.
2) What brought you to Charlottesville?
I moved here from San Francisco four and a half years ago thanks to my husband Jed starting grad school at UVA. He had always wanted to return to Charlottesville after his undergrad days at UVA so we jumped at the chance. I adore Charlottesville life. I love how many interesting people live here, the mild winters (except for recently), how involved people are in the community, and the great restaurant scene. It’s small town living with everything you could want in a city!
3) Why did you decide to become a Future Fund member?
One, I wanted to learn more about local nonprofits and to support the good working going on. Two, I thought it would be interesting to have an insider perspective of how foundations assess nonprofits (since I often find myself writing grant proposals). Three, I knew some of the amazing and fun people who were already involved so I wanted to meet everyone else.
4) What is your favorite aspect of being a member?
It’s exciting to be part of such an innovative approach to community giving. I think of it as democratizing philanthropy for our generation.
5) Favorite local hangout?
Riverside, the Pavilion for Fridays after Five, Vivace’s Bar, and a secret camping spot off Skyline Drive.
6) Favorite philanthropist or charity?
I have a lot of respect for philanthropist George Soros, who has invested an incredible amount in less mainstream and more controversial social issues. I also must mention my mom: from as early as I can remember, we would receive money at Christmas time and she would work with us to research what charity we should donate it to. I’ve always appreciated that she raised us from an early age to realize the importance and fun of giving back.
Name: Cyrus Jacob Zarnegar
Age: 32
Occupation: President, Silverchair Information Systems
1) Tell us a little about yourself
I’ll stick with the most interesting stuff. My father is from Tehran and moved here with his family when he was young. My mother is from Yorktown, though she spent time in her childhood in Cuba—my grandfather was a Marine Colonel in charge of the Marine barracks in Guantanamo Bay. (Actually, he had the same position as Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men.” But everyone please note—that was a fictional story!) Half of my childhood was spent in New Jersey, the other half in Richmond. The variety certainly kept me on my toes (Jersey shore vs. white-gloved cotillion?!?). I went to UNC-Chapel Hill, where I warmed the bench for the Tar Heels soccer team and met my wife, Jessica.
2) What brought you to Charlottesville? Did you grow up here and if so what kept you here?
I had worked during the summers in college as an intern at Silverchair, a local medical publishing software company, which had only a handful of employees at the time. My cousin Baylor Fooks (who now runs local company Blue Ridge Internetworks) made the connection at the time—thanks, Baylor! After college, Jessica headed to law school and I joined Silverchair full time. A great business and my lucky timing allowed me to work up from a furniture-building intern to being an owner of the company and president of one of our main divisions (we now have over 100 employees). My wife and I moved to northern Virginia after she graduated from law school so she could pursue her career, and I’ve been commuting and telecommuting for the past few years.
3) Why did you decide to become a Future Fund member?
This fall, my wife Jessica and I knew we’d be moving to Charlottesville (we closed on our new house this week!) and we were looking for a fun and interesting way to get involved in our new community. I heard about the Future Fund from Hank Wells and Joy Polefrone—two fun, dynamic individuals who pretty much sold me on joining just by being involved themselves!
4) What is your favorite aspect of being a member?
As I learned from Silverchair, there is something very appealing about being involved in the beginning of a new enterprise. Our group has a solid chance to build a growing, lasting source of new funding for nonprofits in the area—and have a heck of a fun time as we do it. I’m sure this sounds corny, but I’ve told myself that I have 18 years to help the Fund grow and become a real local treasure. Eighteen years will be enough, though – once I turn 50, I’m out!
5) Favorite local hangout?
This is a bit TBD as we’ll be living here full-time starting in January. Because Silverchair is located on the downtown mall, I’m always up for a post-work glass of wine at Enoteca or a splurge meal at Ten.
6) Favorite philanthropist or charity?
I respect Bill Gates and Warren Buffett for their huge commitments to tackling some of the world's toughest issues by funding new, creative approaches.