Board of Directors
Wayne Sager, President
Chief of Police - Strasburg
Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Chief Wayne Sager has served the Town of Strasburg for nearly seventeen years, five of which as their Chief of Police.
A 2019 graduate of the FBI National Academy and, in 2017, from the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond, he continues to stay current on ever-changing justice reform.
Being a firm believer and advocate for community collaboration, Sager serves as the Chair of the Family Youth Initiative (FYI) for Shenandoah county, the Skyline Regional Criminal Justice Academy and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force.
He is an executive committee member of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Substance Abuse Coalition, the Strasburg Rotary and an active member of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police (VACP), serving as committee members for both the Valor Awards and Professional Executive Leadership School (PELS).
Chief Sager is a husband, a father of three, an avid outdoorsman and enjoys coaching his children’s little league sports.
Olivia Hilton, Vice President
Vice President
Olivia is the Town Manager for the Town of Mount Jackson. One facet of her role is developing quality of life initiatives with a dual focus of community engagement and tourism.
Currently she is spearheading the development of the Master Park Plan, improved river access, planning and zoning, small business support, and marketing. Olivia earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from James Madison University, a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Women’s Studies from Radford University.
She has served in such capacities as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Director of Community Development within other localities, a consultant for a National Greek Organization, A Leisure and Event Coordinator for a luxury boutique hotel, and a Marketing Specialist for the private sector. Her passion for public service has led her back to the Shenandoah Valley.
Olivia’s outside interests include riding her motorcycle, playing pickleball, and loving on her dachshund, Moe!
Sharon Baroncelli, Treasurer
President/CEO - Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce
Sharon is committed to serving her community to make it a wonderful place to live, own a business and raise a family.
She's worked in the nonprofit and marketing industries for over 30 years. Since 2017 she has been the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO. Her service and energy is shared as a Board member for the Shenandoah Community Foundation, the Shenandoah County Department of Social Services and the Woodstock Rotary Club and formerly as a Board of Supervisor member representing District 4.
In her free time she enjoys family time, baking, reading and shopping in the Community as well as serving as a Board of Supervisor in District 4 for 9 years.
Todd Holtzman, Secretary
Holtzman Propane and Valley Ice
Todd Holtzman operates Holtzman Propane and Valley Ice in Mount Jackson, Virginia. Formed in 1997, Holtzman Propane is a full-service propane delivery, installation and service business and has diversified into HVAC sales, service, and installation.
In 2005, Todd expanded the business to include a packaged ice production and delivery business named Valley Ice, to provide a summer seasonal counterpoint to the winter heavy propane business.
Holtzman Propane and Valley Ice currently have offices in Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
Todd graduated from Virginia Tech in 1997 with a degree in Business Management. He is currently serving his fifth term on the Mount Jackson Town Council. Todd and his wife Lynn have three children and live in Mount Jackson.
Dennis Barlow
Chairman of the Shenandoah County School Board
Dennis is the Chairman of the Shenandoah County School Board, elected in 2024. He previously served as the Vice Chairman since 2021.
From 1969-1982 Mr. Barlow was a history teacher and lacrosse coach in Baltimore County, Maryland. While teaching, Barlow was recalled to the Army to serve as a planner and policymaker in the Pentagon. He retired as a Colonel in 1996.
Colonel (retired) Barlow then founded a public policy center at James Madison University. For fourteen years, Professor Barlow coordinated numerous international programs dedicated to eradicating the effects of landmines globally; he retired in 2010.
Mr. Barlow earned a MA and a Certificate of Advanced Study from Johns Hopkins University, graduated with Distinction from the U.S. Naval War College, and holds a BA in History from Purdue University.
Jon Bennett
I.T. Consultant
Jon Bennett moved to VA with his family in 1973, attended Toms Brook Elementary and graduated from Strasburg High School.
Jon has lived in Shenandoah County for 45+ years and 10 years in Northern Indiana, Fairfax, VA and Indianapolis, IN. He has traveled to multiple locations in Europe and particularly a lot of time spent in Eastern Europe has helped to shape his perspective on health and wellness.
Jon has been an independent Consultant to local and Mid Atlantic businesses for their IT needs since 1997.
Jon has been involved in Nonprofits and Community service over the years. Active in Coaching Youth Sports like Basketball and Soccer since 2007, he continues to coach Boys Travel Soccer and is a past Board Member and past League Commissioner for Shenandoah County Soccer League. Currently Jon serves on the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Shenandoah County Board of Supervisors for District 3 as well as serving on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Serving as a Founding Board Member for CREW offers Jon the opportunity to follow one of his pursuits toward better living, wellness, and longevity in the community.
Tiffany Newland
Shentel, Employee Communication Manager
A lifelong resident of Shenandoah County, Tiffany Painter Newland has a passion for giving back to the community where she grew up. Since 2011, Tiffany has served as Director of the Shenandoah County Fair Scholarship Pageant. She manages all program operations, including contestant and sponsor recruitment, fundraising, and marketing.
In addition, Tiffany volunteers with the Mt Jackson/New Market Little League and works with the Shenandoah County Chamber of Commerce in planning both the student and professional Leadership Shenandoah County programs.
She currently works at Shentel as the Employee Communications Manager, and serves on the Shentel Cares Committee, which manages employee-led philanthropic initiatives.
A lifelong learner, Tiffany holds a master’s degree in Corporate & Organizational Communications from West Virginia University; a bachelor’s degree in Technical & Scientific Communication from James Madison University; and an associate’s degree in Communications from Lord Fairfax Community College. While enrolled at West Virginia, Tiffany was selected as a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society.
Tiffany is the mother of two daughters and enjoys attending their softball games, dance recitals, and helping them with 4-H animal projects for the Shenandoah County Fair. She also enjoys going to concerts, taking scenic drives, and spending time with Bodie, the family’s goldendoodle.
Ros Poplar
Navy Commodore (Retired)
Ros is a three-time retiree: Thirty-year Navy Commodore, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Civil Servant. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, Vanderbilt University, the Armed Forces Staff College, and the Army War College.
In addition, he has taught at both the National War College and Vanderbilt.
Since "retiring" he has become a full-time volunteer serving as three-time President for the Rotary Club of New Market, President Fort Harrison sons of the American Revolution, Trustee for the historic Union Church, The Open Door Food Pantry, Junior Warden for the Saint Andrews Episcopal Church and he is an active member of the Shenandoah County, Mount Jackson and New Market Historical Societies.
He has authored numerous articles for professional journals and opinion pieces for various national print newspapers and blogs. He and his wife Joanne reside in an historic log farm home (circa 1749) in Quicksburg and are blessed with eleven grandchildren.
Kristin Simler
Executive Director
Kristin Simler is a dynamic and results-oriented leader with over 12 years of experience in marketing, event management and leadership. As the Executive Director of CREW, she hopes to play a pivotal role in driving the organization’s mission forward by fostering meaningful community engagement, spearheading strategic initiatives, and enhancing operational efficiency. Her ability to create and execute impactful marketing campaigns, develop strong partnerships, and lead large-scale events has made her a recognized leader.
Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a deep passion for building relationships, elevating brand awareness, and increasing community involvement. Her expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development has helped organizations expand their reach and maximize their impact. She thrives in fast-paced environments that require creativity, adaptability, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
Kristin is known for her infectious energy, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering commitment to community development. She has a proven track record of bringing people together to create positive change, and she is dedicated to empowering others through mentorship, advocacy, and innovative initiatives.
A Virginia native, Kristin grew up in Culpeper and has always felt a strong connection to the Shenandoah Valley as she has family ties here and attended Bridgewater College. As she transitions to living in the area, she looks forward to deepening her involvement in the local community, strengthening nonprofit networks, and continuing her work in driving meaningful impact.
When she’s not leading initiatives or planning events and programs, Kristin enjoys spending time with her husband and three children (and pup, Puck), connecting with local leaders, and finding new ways to contribute to causes that inspire her.
