Tara Quinn
804-523-2181
Executive Director
As a 25-year resident of Virginia, I feel fortunate to live in such a diverse and prosperous place as our Commonwealth. However, for too many in Virginia opportunity is difficult to find. A large number of our neighbors suffer from a lack of well-paying jobs, financial resources, and health insurance. Often this is accompanied by limited access to adequate health care and in particular, dental care. Helping to provide access to this care is why the VDAF exists.
I have personally known the stress and fear of financial insecurity and understand what vulnerability feels like. That is why I now consider myself blessed to be able to support those in need of help. At some point, we all must rely on others to help us make our way.
Prior to joining the VDAF, I served as Executive Director of a regional environmental organization. I also held senior marketing and business development positions in the professional services sector. I hold a BA in political science/international relations from the University of North Carolina-Asheville, an Executive Certificate from Duke University in Nonprofit Leadership, and earned the Certified Professional Services Marketer designation.
Hopefully, one day there will be no need for the kind of services the VDAF provides because all Virginians will be able to freely access the dental care they need. But until then - we will use all the resources available to bridge this divide, help everyone possible, and feel grateful for the opportunity to do so.