As the management consultant for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Bea Malone is strongly concerned with affordable housing in the area. In her spare time, Malone is currently writing a children's book and enjoys dining at the Taverna on the Lake in Washington Square Plaza. Bea Malone is this week's People Profile.

How long have you lived in the area?
I've lived in the Reston community for almost 20 years.
My family lives in Ohio. However, my daughter (Dana Smith) grew up in Reston and presently resides in Tampa, Fla.

Education: I received my graduate degree from Marymount University, Arlington.

Occupation: I am a college professor at the University of Maryland/UMUC. I also am a management consultant for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Achievements: Producer and host of a weekly Comcast Cable TV show (Reston Channel 28) called "Everyday Heroes" that highlights the positive achievements of individuals and organizations in our community; Co-President of the Reston-Herndon Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); Board President of the Friends of the Reston Community Center; Board member of the Reston-Dulles Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); D.C. Executive Council Member of the United Nations Business Council/United Nations Association; and Board Commissioner on the Fairfax County Small Business Commission.

Activities: Member of Evangel Cathedral in Upper Marlboro, Md.; enjoy reading; am currently writing a children's book; also, enjoy walking and biking on Reston's nature trails, white water rafting and roller coaster rides (the higher and faster, the better ... smile)

Favorite restaurant or local places: Favorite restaurant is Tavern on the Lake located on Lake Anne Plaza and my favorite places are the Reston Community Center and Lake Anne Plaza.

Community concerns? My most pressing concern is the lack of affordable housing here in Reston. Many people (including professionals) who enjoy working in Reston cannot afford to live here.

What brought you here? At the time, almost 20 years ago, I was working in Prince William County, Virginia but lived in Rockville, Md. On a good day, an one-way commute took at least an hour and a half (that is barring no accidents on the Cabin John Bridge). I knew I had to get on the other side of the Potomac River. I answered an ad in the newspaper for a townhouse in Reston. Read a little about Reston and the Fairfax County public school system, and have been here every since.

What do you think is Reston's hidden treasure? Reston has a strong sense of community, which is quite unusual in this Washington, D.C. metropolitan area that is so transient. It is this sense of community that has captivated and kept me here, even though I now that I have "an empty nest." It is indeed a special place.

When you were younger, what did you want to be when you "grew up?" When I was younger I strongly remember being torn between being a telephone operator and a movie star. I have been a telephone operator. And since I have been coined "the Ophrah Winfrey of Reston" due to my weekly TV talk show ... who knows ... smile.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself a tenured professor and an accomplished children's book author. Of course, still living in Reston.

Personal goals: Be grateful for life and enjoy each day as a special day; visit South Africa and the Great Wall of China; and am looking forward to having grandchildren whenever my daughter decides to get married.

© Reston Connection 2006