Committees

The Committee for Dulles Community Outreach

Directly supporting the Dulles Airport community through scholarships and grants.

Who Are We?


Our Mission

Support the Dulles Airport Community by giving back 100% of funds raised by the Committee for Dulles Community Outreach in the form of scholarships to graduating high school seniors who work, volunteer, or have a parent or guardian who works or volunteers within Dulles Airport's perimeter. CFDCO also provides grants to local organizations that support the airport and its passengers. Apply for a scholarship.

Background

The Committee for Dulles, in partnership with the Washington Airports Task Force, formed CFDCO in 2012. The charitable arm was established to honor the legacy of David A. Edwards, a past CFD president deeply committed to supporting the Dulles airport community.

How We Raise Funds

The volunteer-run 501(c)(3) committee raises funds through raffles, silent auctions, the Dulles 5K/10K on the Runway, the CFD Annual Golf Tournament, and contributions from individuals, organizations, and corporations.
To date, the Committee has awarded
  • 340 scholarships totaling $517,000 to graduating high school seniors who work/volunteer or have parents who works/volunteers within the Dulles Airport’s perimeter.
  • $65,000 in grants to local organizations that support the airport and its passengers, including Travelers Aid operations and the interfaith chapel.

The 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Click here to view the 2026 scholarship recipients. 

CFDCO Officers

Lisa Merhaut portrait
President

Lisa Merhaut

Lisa Merhaut serves as Director of Administration, Marketing and Industry Affairs, and Corporate Secretary at the Washington Airports Task Force, while also serving as Secretary of Dulles Foreign Trade Zone 137.

In these roles, she focuses on supporting the advancement of the National Capital Region's aviation interests through smart governance, strategic communication, and strong board operations. She manages the organizational framework and public voice of both groups, helping keep leadership and the board aligned around aviation growth and regional prosperity.

Beyond her professional work, Lisa brings more than twenty years of community service experience, including serving as a Fairfax County Court Appointed Special Advocate for neglected and abused children.

Sagar Bethu portrait
Vice President

Sagar Bethu

Sagar Bethu is Associate Vice President and Mid-Atlantic Aviation Market Sector Lead at HDR, with more than twenty years of experience in airfield, roadway, and infrastructure projects.

He leads HDR's aviation practice across Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and is deeply committed to improving mobility and quality of life for communities across the region. Sagar serves on the Committee for Dulles Board of Directors, participates actively in the Community Outreach Committee, and chairs the ASCE Airfield Pavement Committee.

He also contributes to the industry through technical committee roles with ASCE, ACC, and ACEC, collaborating with the FAA, industry experts, and academia to advance transportation infrastructure.

Stephen Grant portrait
Secretary

Stephen Grant

Stephen Grant is the Director of Business Development and Community Engagement at GAM Graphics and Marketing, a 50-year-old family-run business founded by Stephen's father.

Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, GAM specializes in digital printing, marketing, advertising, and public relations, all provided under one roof. Stephen is committed to delivering personalized attention and quality results for every client.

He has been an active member of the Committee for Dulles for more than fourteen years and currently chairs the Communications Committee. Stephen also serves with the Programs Committee and the CFD Community Outreach Committee, reflecting his long-standing commitment to both the business and the airport community.

Scott K. York portrait
Treasurer

Scott K. York

Scott K. York joined the Committee for Dulles in 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors. He was appointed Interim Executive Director in March 2020 and then named Executive Director later that year.

Before January 2016, Scott dedicated twenty-four years to public service in Loudoun County. He first served as the Sterling District Planning Commissioner, then as the Sterling District representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and later as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for sixteen years.

During his tenure, Loudoun County became one of America's leading economic development success stories. Scott's leadership helped position Loudoun as a major technology location, an international investment hub, and the home of Washington, D.C.'s wine country. His emphasis on fiscal management helped maintain Loudoun's AAA rating while the county expanded road infrastructure, built more than forty schools, and prepared for Metrorail's arrival.

He worked closely with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to help ensure appropriate development around the airport and has been recognized by regional organizations for his years of public service and support of Dulles.

Board of Directors
 
Nicolle Baker
Brandon Ferris
Georgia Graves
Mary Gayle Holden
Rich McCary
Louise Stamatis
Leo Titus
Mark Treadaway
Holly Williamson

How You Can Help

You can support CFDCO by donating online. To donate via check or in-kind, please contact Lisa Merhaut. One hundred percent of donations directly support the Dulles community through grants and scholarships.
You can also help by participating in fundraising activities including the Dulles 5K/10K on the Runway, CFD's annual golf tournament, and raffles held during luncheons and other events.
To become a member of the Community Outreach Committee, CFD members should contact Lisa Merhaut for details.

Support the scholarship program

Make a donation today!