OUR LEADERSHIP
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
Michelle founded Rustic Love with her family in the spring of 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming simply from their wish to help area restaurants stay in business and help feed local food-insecure families in the process, Rustic Love grew into a non-profit garnering more than a quarter of a million dollars in its firs
Michelle founded Rustic Love with her family in the spring of 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stemming simply from their wish to help area restaurants stay in business and help feed local food-insecure families in the process, Rustic Love grew into a non-profit garnering more than a quarter of a million dollars in its first two years. For her work with Rustic Love, Michelle was awarded the Vienna Mayor's Award in 2021.
Michelle is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has been in travel and media Marketing for 27 years, and has been a Northern Virginia resident for more than 20 years.
Wendy Hurwitz, President
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
After cheering its growth from the sidelines for two years, Wendy recently filled the role of President at Rustic Love. She helps guide the strategic vision of the organization and is excited to expand its impact across Northern Virginia.
Wendy is a marketing executive with 20+ years experience working at a diverse range of tech startups,
After cheering its growth from the sidelines for two years, Wendy recently filled the role of President at Rustic Love. She helps guide the strategic vision of the organization and is excited to expand its impact across Northern Virginia.
Wendy is a marketing executive with 20+ years experience working at a diverse range of tech startups, mid-market and global information companies. She holds an BA from Emory University and an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Becky Witherow, Secretary
Michelle Connors, Founder and Executive Director
Becky Witherow, Secretary
Becky started out as a volunteer in the fall of 2020 with pop-up sign sales which turned into full hands on sign builds. Her passion is the wood working start to finish process. She is also involved in merchandise curating, strategic development and is hands-on with everything related to Rustic Love.
Becky is a Political Science graduate f
Becky started out as a volunteer in the fall of 2020 with pop-up sign sales which turned into full hands on sign builds. Her passion is the wood working start to finish process. She is also involved in merchandise curating, strategic development and is hands-on with everything related to Rustic Love.
Becky is a Political Science graduate from Christopher Newport University. She is a lifelong resident of Vienna, VA. In her spare time she’s an avid softball player and coach, also serving on the Board for Fairfax Adult Softball.
Rose Sirianni, Treasurer
Claudia Montana, Member-at-Large
Claudia Montana, Member-at-Large
Rose joined Rustic Love in January of 2021 and is an active member of the board, participating in builds, sales and check presentations to grant awardees. In addition to her work as the Rustic Love Treasurer, she is also the Treasurer of the Vienna Little League.
Rose is a graduate of George Mason University (BS, Accounting) and has worke
Rose joined Rustic Love in January of 2021 and is an active member of the board, participating in builds, sales and check presentations to grant awardees. In addition to her work as the Rustic Love Treasurer, she is also the Treasurer of the Vienna Little League.
Rose is a graduate of George Mason University (BS, Accounting) and has worked in public accounting for 18 years, focusing on nonprofits, construction and real estate. She is a Northern Virginia native and has lived in Vienna since 2011.
Claudia Montana, Member-at-Large
Claudia Montana, Member-at-Large
Claudia Montana, Member-at-Large
Claudia joined Rustic Love as a volunteer in April 2021 and currently serves as a member-at-large. She is passionate about helping address food insecurity in our community and volunteers her time in multiple ways, including: social media growth & oversight, grants research, merchandise curating, pop-up events, and of course painting our s
Claudia joined Rustic Love as a volunteer in April 2021 and currently serves as a member-at-large. She is passionate about helping address food insecurity in our community and volunteers her time in multiple ways, including: social media growth & oversight, grants research, merchandise curating, pop-up events, and of course painting our signature hearts.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Claudia has a background in editorial & magazine management. She’s lived in several countries and has happily called Vienna “home” for the past 4 years.