2025-2026 Board Announced For Darien Community Association

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Community Association on Thursday announced its 2025–26 Board of Directors and vision for the year ahead.

Liza Smith will continue as president and Elisabeth Drew and Fiona Leonard were appointed as vice presidents. John Hess, a Darien resident and founding principal of North Star Wealth Investors LLC, joins the board.

"Our Board represents the heart of Darien—dedicated community members who bring energy, perspective, and a shared commitment to strengthening the town we love," said Erin Noonan, executive director of the DCA, in a news release. "Together, we’re carrying forward more than a century of connecting, enriching, and inspiring our community."

In the coming year, the board said it plans to grow membership, strengthen sponsor partnerships and expand community impact through its scholarship program.

The DCA will also advance initiatives including new plans for the DCA Thrift Shop, its annual appeal—the organization’s largest fundraiser—and Merry Meadowlands, a signature community event in early December.

The 2025–26 board includes:

• Caroline Burke
• Patricia Cunningham
• Elisabeth Drew
• Liane Hamilton
• John Hess*
• Sue Kunze
• Fiona Leonard
• Deirdre McGovern
• Suzanne Mulliken
• Laurie Orem
• Sarah Ritchey
• John Ruddy
• Liza Smith (president)
• Bert von Stuelpnagel

(*Asterisk denotes new member.)

The DCA thanked current and former board members and volunteers for supporting its mission to bring neighbors together through shared values of learning, green spaces, sustainability and community.