Leaders across industries, broadly connected, and focused on growth. Meet our members.

WEA President, Executive Vice President, Ascend Planning & Consulting, LLC, Falls Church, VA

Mark Dolfis, CFP®, AIF®

As a member of both AXA Advisors’ Sterling Group and Business Strategies Group, Mr. Dolfis works with affluent individual clients and successful business owners to help them achieve their financial objectives. Mr. Dolfis is dedicated to guiding clients through the process of defining their goals, devising a strategy to achieve those goals, and assisting in the execution and management of that strategy over time. Working as part of a multi-disciplined team, Mr. Dolfis provides comprehensive private wealth management services to business owners, corporate executives, individuals, and families. Mr. Dolfis moved to Northern Virginia upon graduating from Vanderbilt University in 1994. Maintaining strong ties to his community is extremely important to Mark. He lives in Fairfax County with his wife and two daughters. He is the president of his homeowners association and a proud member of the following local organizations: Shelter House – Board of Directors, Washington Executives Association, Accelerated Business Connection of Tyson’s Corner, and Vanderbilt University Alumni Association.

For more information, please visit:
The work Mark does for business owners: www.bsgma.com
AXA’s Sterling Group: www.ascendplanning.com
Shelter House: www.shelterhouse.org

Steve Scholl WEA
WEA Vice President, Project Leader, Owner, BOWA, McLean, VA

Stephen Scholl

With more than 30 years as an industry leader in the DC Metro Area, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and abundance of resources to his BOWA colleagues and clients. The industry of high-end remodeling plays to his strengths as an enthusiastic team builder and decision maker who loves planning complex projects and meeting demanding timelines. His commitment to continued education provides his clients with the latest in technology and construction methodology. Steve holds three industry designations of Certified Remodeler, Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler, and Universal Design Certified Professional through the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). He has also completed a certification in advanced negotiation from Harvard University. A sought-after speaker, Steve enjoys giving back to the community that has provided him so many opportunities. He has lived in Northern Virginia with his family since 1989, volunteering with local charities such as the Young Hearts Foundation for leukemia and lymphoma research and Shelter House which supports families experiencing challenges in their lives.
WEA Board Member, Partner, Foundation Insurance Group, Falls Church, VA

Joe Potthast

Joe Potthast is a partner and senior account executive at Foundation Insurance Group, an independent Property & Casualty insurance agency with offices in Falls Church, VA and Louisville, KY. Joe graduated with a degree in Business Administration & Marketing from Old Dominion University in 2009 and in 2015 was designated by Business Insurance America as one of the industry’s top performers under 40. Joe lives in Falls Church with his wife & newborn daughter and enjoys travel, time with family/friends and golf.
Senior Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional, Transworld Business Advisors, Falls Church, VA

Erika Baez-Grimes

Erika Baez-Grimes is a senior Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Professional with Transworld Business Advisors. Erika helps business owners and C-Level executives buy and sell companies, create strategic exit plans, uncover M&A opportunities, and explore franchising options. Ultimately doing “Good Deals for Good People.”

With over 15 years of experience and a documented track record of success working with the C-suite, Erika has become a trusted business intermediary for clients across various industries i.e.: GovCon, Construction, Retail, Moving and more. She has received awards from numerous fortune 100 organizations for delivering exceptional results across sales channels including: Fintech, Payments, Retail, Real-Estate, SaaS-based architectures, and modernizing technologies. Her work in the lower-middle market space has helped her gain professional experience in negotiating complex contracts, capital raises for start-ups, business consulting, & franchise development. Erika takes pride in delivering solutions that create value for buyers, sellers, and executives nationwide.

Erika’s experience in business lead her to her own venture in 2016 when she founded of The BPH Group, Inc., a Women Owned Small Business that helps owners overcome 3 of their toughest challenges; high risk card processing, building commercial credit, and protecting key persons. Erika’s Florida based company has served dozens of businesses since inception and has enabled her clients to process over 86 million dollars in card revenue nationally.

Outside of her professional life, Erika is proud to be a 1st generation Latin-American Citizen who resides in central Virginia with her husband and blended family.

Erika serves as a council member for Latinas in Cyber, a 501c3 that provides education, community, and resources to Latinas pursuing careers in cybersecurity. Erika is also a proud tenured member of CREW Richmond, WICRE and the 1st 2024 member of Washington Executives Association.

For more information visit:
Listings: www.ErikaTheBroker.Com
Organizations and Affiliations: www.latinasincyber.com www.crewnetwork.org

President, Architessa, Rockville, MD

David Benson

At the age of 15 I began working part time for Architectural Ceramics, Inc. (ACI) Yes it is a family business. Whether it was delivering tile, taking out the trash, or filing papers in accounting the experiences that I have had provide the backbone of who I am and what I know today. I am grateful to all our customers over the years who helped not only me, but my family survive. I was taught that in order to succeed I must work hard and aim high in whatever I do while trusting in God alone.

I went on to graduate from The George Washington University starting in Electrical Engineering and ending in Pre-Health Professionalism. I am proud of my experiences in college joining the GWU Cheerleading team and finish Top 5 in the country. Upon graduation I started full time to work at Architectural Ceramics, Inc. doing outside and inside sales. This taught me how to work on my own as well as how to be apart of a team to help the company grow.

Over the years I have managed showrooms and many employees. I have gained invaluable experience from business groups like EO and Vistage. Since 2019 I have been President of now re-branded ACI to Architessa. Expanding our commercial group across the country over the next 5 years, continuing to grow our Southeast presence, and increase Hardscape division. I am confident with the tightening of our process and system we will get there.

Managing Attorney, General Counsel, P.C., McLean VA

Heba K. Carter, Esq.

Ms. Carter is an experienced civil litigator servicing clients in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. She is the Managing Attorney of General Counsel, PC. She attended the University of Virginia graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Affairs. After studying at the University of Virginia, Ms. Carter attended Syracuse University College of Law as a member of the Class of 2014. During law school, Ms. Carter was an editor of the Syracuse Law Review and participated in the Moot Court Honor Society. She was honored as a member of the Justinian Honor Society and received the Pro Bono Service Award for her service to the Syracuse community.

Ms. Carter began her legal career as a law clerk for the Honorable Justice Steve R. McCullough, while he served as a judge for the Virginia Court of Appeals. Upon finishing her clerkship, Ms. Carter worked as an associate attorney for a private law firm, handling civil litigation matters in a number of practice areas, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Carter is an experienced civil litigator in the following practice areas: contracts, guardianship/fiduciary law, real estate, landlord-tenant, appellate advocacy, bankruptcy, and business law. She is also well versed in a variety of transactional legal work including: leases–both commercial and residential, real estate contracts and negotiation, estate and probate, and business formation.

Owner and Managing Member, HMB TECH Managed IT Services, DC, MD & VA

Harrison Carvalho

As the owner and Managing Member of HMB TECH Managed IT Services, I’m passionate about leveraging technology to empower businesses. I'm driven by doing my best every day and providing world-class service.

My professional journey began in 2002 in Rockville, MD, where my talents were recognized and over time I was not only solving technical challenges but also helping to shape the business itself, eventually becoming Vice President of Strategy & Innovation.

In 2010, I embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and founded HMB TECH. Today, businesses nationwide trust us to be their IT department, ensuring seamless operations and robust cybersecurity. We act as a strategic partner proactively ensuring the smooth functioning of our clients' IT infrastructure while allowing the client organization to focus on its core business activities.

When I’m not running my business and elbow deep in tech, you’ll find me enjoying quality time with my wife and two kids, attending the weekly church service, playing defense on a Sunday soccer league, shooting hoops in pickup basketball games, and more recently discovering the joy of playing tennis.

Senior Manager, Andersen's Commercial Practice, McLean, VA

Helen Castro

Helen Castro works as a Senior Manager in Andersen’s Commercial Practice in McLean, Virginia. She specializes in working with businesses structured as pass-through entities (partnerships and S corporations) with a focus on industries including private-equity/investment, real estate, professional services, technology and a variety of owner-operated businesses. Helen has over 14 years of experience in tax, audit, compilation, review, accounting, and small-business consulting. She graduated with a Master of Taxation degree from Villanova University and received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from George Mason University. Helen started her career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen and has worked in both small and mid-sized accounting firms throughout Northern Virginia which has enabled her to gain extensive, firsthand experience working with businesses and their owners. Helen is a native to Northern Virginia and her hobbies include photography, biking, running, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Dentist, McLean Family Dentistry, McLean VA

Dr. Uppasna Chand

A native of Great Falls, Dr. Uppasna Chand attended Langley High School in McLean, Virginia. Her undergraduate education was earned at Virginia Tech, from which she graduated in 2002. Dr. Chand then continued on to Virginia Commonwealth University for dental school, graduating in 2009 with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Continuing her education both in-person and online, Dr. Chand has attended courses on occlusion and Invisalign®, in addition to all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry. She is committed to staying up-to-date on the newest trends in dental technology.

Currently residing in Vienna, Virginia with her husband, Samir, Dr. Chand loves spending time with her family. Her other interests include reading a good book, being outdoors, bike riding, watching movies, and trying new restaurants in the area.

Owner and Principal Broker, The Genau Group Realty Advisors, DC, MD & VA

Fletcher Doud Gill, Sr.

Fletcher Doud Gill Sr., is the Owner and Principal Broker of The Genau Group Realty Advisors, a reputable commercial real estate firm he founded in 2008, Fletcher oversees operations that span across DC, MD, and VA. With an annual brokerage volume of approximately $60,000,000, he has earned a reputation for excellence and trustworthiness in the industry.

Beyond his role in real estate, Fletcher is the Founder and CEO of Luke’s Wings Inc., an organization close to his heart. Through Luke’s Wings, Fletcher and his team provide invaluable support to wounded warriors, special operators, veterans in hospice care, and fallen officers and their families. By facilitating approximately 2,000 flights per year, totaling more than 16,000 flights since its inception in 2008, they reunite heroes with their loved ones during times of need. Fletcher’s dedication extends to fundraising efforts, with approximately $1,500,000 raised annually to support their mission.

Fletcher's professional achievements have been recognized on numerous occasions. He has been honored as Fox News "Power Player of the Week" in 2011, featured among the "250 Leaders Changing Washington" by Washington Life Magazine, and recognized with prestigious awards such as the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the USSOCOM Patriot Award, 2019.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Fletcher remains actively engaged in various organizations and activities aimed at serving his community. As a Board Member emeritus of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and the City Tavern Club of Washington (CTC), he continues to contribute his expertise to meaningful causes. Additionally, as a Member and Founder of the Junior Member’s Entertainment Committee at Congressional Country Club, he fosters connections and camaraderie within the community.

Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, Vienna, VA

Katie Grieco

Katie Grieco currently serves as a Vice President at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty and is a founding board member of NextGen, an initiative to shape the future of TTRSIR’s next generation of leaders. Katie is affiliated with the Arlington, VA brokerage and helps buyers, sellers and investors across Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.

After graduating from Penn State, Katie moved to Arlington to begin a career in sales and events with Design Cuisine caterers, the company which has served the last 5+ Presidential Inaugural Luncheons. She spent years as a trusted advisor to her Design clients, and in 2014, she pivoted her advisory role to the real estate industry.

Today, Katie is immersed in residential real estate. She is a broker, homeowner and landlord-investor. Since 2014, she has sold over 240 homes exceeding $165M in volume and has been intentional about building a business bound by integrity and trust. Throughout her career, she has earned respect from clients, colleagues and competitors alike. A huge part of Katie’s success stems from her deep understanding that real estate is a relationship business, and over the years, her impact has created meaningful outcomes that result in Katie becoming her clients’ lifelong real estate partner.

When working with Katie, clients appreciate her tenacity, upbeat spirit and partnership. What sets Katie apart is her “hands on” approach and that she isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves to help clients achieve the best results. Additionally, her clients know she is never going to sell them on something; rather she takes the time to discuss all available options, provide open and honest communication, and ultimately deliver sincere advice after analyzing the moving pieces.

After 12 years in North Arlington, Katie and her husband moved to Vienna, VA to finally get their English Bulldog the yard he deserves. In Katie’s spare time, she can be found cheering on her Nittany Lions or practicing her golf ‘game.’

Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial Lending, LinkBank, Reston, VA

Andrew Kalin

Andrew Kalin is a Senior Relationship Manager for Commercial Lending at LinkBank. Acting in that capacity, he oversees the bank’s loan and deposit production. Mr. Kalin attributes the bank's portfolio growth to the seniority and experience of his departmental staff and their ability to structure sound loans and provide cash management services that respond to customers’ needs. Mr. Kalin is a graduate of George Mason University and holds an MBA degree.
CEO and Co-Founder of ME.Digital, VA, DC, MD

Kelly McLaughlan

Kelly McLaughlan is the CEO and Co-Founder of KME.Digital – a digital marketing and technology agency. KME serves Northern Virginia and the entire DC region.

Kelly is a native resident of Northern Virginia, graduating high school, college (JMU - Finance) and building her professional career and businesses in this region. Prior to KME.Digital, Kelly has held previous professional positions as a certified Systems Engineer with EDS, and an IT Program and Engineering Manager with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Kelly and her husband, Ted, have 4 grown children and live in Alexandria, VA.

Kelly has been an active volunteer in groups including the JMU College of Business Marketing Executive Advisory Board (Chair), the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority (Commissioner), Loudoun County Joint BOS/School Board Committee Citizen’s Advisory Group, the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) College Counseling Center and Crew (Rowing) Team, the McLean (BNI) Business Forum (President), the Nysmith School for the Gifted Odyssey of the Mind Teams, and the Power of 100 DC.

Founder and President of Designed Happy, DC, MD, VA, DE, WV

TJ Monahan

TJ is an architect, the founder of Designed Happy, and passionate about helping you live happier at home (and having fun getting there).

Designed Happy is a high-end full service residential architecture, interior design, & décor firm licensed in DC, MD, VA, WV, NC, PA, and DE. They're experts in new construction & remodeling, in primary homes, vacation homes & condos. Visit DesignedHappy.com to learn more.

ASID, Founder and Creative Director of Peltier Interiors, Vienna, VA & San Marino, CA

Amy Peltier

Amy Peltier is the founder and Creative Director of Peltier Interiors, an award-winning, full-service interior design firm. Born and raised in Michigan, her creative journey began with a stunningly curated childhood home, igniting a lifelong passion for design. Amy obtained her interior design degree from Michigan State University and started her bi-coastal design firm on the West Coast over a decade ago.

Supported by an ever-expanding, diversely talented team, Her firm guides projects from Southern California to Northern Virginia and everywhere in between. Peltier Interiors brings an effortlessly unique blend of preppy style, California casual, and a touch of midwestern charm to each project. They pride themselves on curating perfect pieces that blend seamlessly into your home, honoring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. From furnishing refreshes to extensive remodels, additions, and new construction, Peltier Interiors manages the complexities leaving clients free to enjoy the excitement of the creative process.

President/Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan Delivery Corporation, Washington, DC

Jeff Wingrove

Jeff Wingrove has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Delivery Corporation since 1995. Metro Delivery is the oldest courier service in the Washington, DC area and employs more than 100 individuals. Mr. Wingrove joined the company as General Manager in 1990. He was soon after named Director of Sales and Marketing, and Vice-President prior to being appointed President and CEO. In these roles, his duties include General Manager of Sales, Operations and Client Relations, Vice-President of Sales, CFO and Director of Marketing. He also directs the continuing diversification and implementation of Metropolitan’s new service lines. Since 1995, Mr. Wingrove has overseen the acquisition of Metro Delivery and led the organization through its transition from document delivery and conventional courier service to the full scale delivery of freight, cargo, office furnishings, trade show exhibits, warehousing and logistical services, and transfer of international mail. A leader in sustainability and green initiatives, Mr. Wingrove launched Metropolitan’s eWaste Disposal Program, Paper Shredding & Computer Recycling Services. Mr. Wingrove attributes the continuing success of his company to several key factors: the tenure and experience of his staff, some of whom have been with Metropolitan for more than 3 decades; the early development and implementation of proprietary software that heavily contributes to Metro’s successful operation; and marketing resources that assist his clients in the growth of their enterprise. Past President of the WEA, Mr. Wingrove also serves on the Board of Directors for iCommunity and is Chairman of the Board for Metro Delivery Corp. His other affiliations include the Board of Trade, NAIOP, CREW, ABA, Tip Club USA, DCBIA, iCommunity, DC Chamber of Commerce, IJSBA, AWA, ASW, WBJ, Capital Cabal, MCAA, Ethos International, Global Resorts, and Gold Crown.