Candidate Profiles: Lisa Ownby and Barbara Null, JCC Board of Supervisors (Stonehouse District)

Democrat Lisa Ownby is running against Republican Barbara Null for a seat on the James City County Board of Supervisors in the Stonehouse District.

The Triangle reached out to both candidates running in this race and requested a biography. Each candidate was also asked to explain why they are running for this office.

Barbara Null did not respond to our request, but basic information is provided for the candidate.

Lisa Ownby

Affiliation: Democrat

Website: ownbyforsupervisor.com

Biography: I earned my bachelor’s degree from George Mason University in 1991. After earning my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, I moved to Williamsburg in 1992 with my husband, who was attending Old Dominion University. We have lived in Williamsburg since then and love this community. My husband and I have raised four children here. Three have graduated from Williamsburg-James City County schools, and my youngest is a WJCC high school senior. My husband built a business here (Landtech Resources, Inc., a civil engineering, and land surveying firm) and we have thrived. I worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over two decades supporting families who had children with disabilities.

Locally, I worked for Child Development Resources, managing a U.S. Department of Education model demonstration project. While at CDR, I was appointed by Gov. George Allen to the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council, providing policy recommendations to the Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Services and ultimately the governor on policy issues impacting Virginians with disabilities. I worked for the W&M School of Education, recruiting students to their master’s program in special education, focusing especially on increasing diversity in the field of special education. I stayed home raising my children for nine years. During that time, I served in and continue to serve in leadership positions with WJCC school organizations, including PTA, PTSA, PTA Council, band, and athletic boosters.

In 2014, I joined Landtech as Director of Operations. In 2016 I was elected to the WJCC School Board in a special election and reelected in 2017 for a four-year term. I served as Vice Chair and Chair during my five years on the Board. As chair, I led the WJCC School Board through the over-$155 million budgeting process and helped guide the division through the COVID pandemic. I have been endorsed by the WJCC Teachers Association, The Virginia Police Benevolent Association and the York/Williamsburg/ Poquoson/James City Professional Fire Fighters, Paramedics, and 911 Dispatchers.

What inspired you to run for this office?

It was my service on the school board that inspired me to run for the Board of Supervisors. So many decisions impacting our community are made by our supervisors, including school funding, workforce housing, and funding for fire, emergency medical services, police, parks and libraries. Our Board of Supervisors makes critical land use decisions that impact the county’s infrastructure, our tax rate, and our quality of life.

My passion and commitment to James City County and my leadership skills are well-suited for service as a Supervisor, and I will work to ensure the board focuses on community needs. Decisions need to be evaluated both in terms of how they impact services and amenities today and 20 years from today. I am passionate about our community and my husband and I plan to retire here. I am deeply invested in our county’s future.

Our local government should be responsive to our diverse community and our diversified economy. I believe that my listening skills and school board experience will enable me to make a unique contribution to the community as a supervisor. We need more workforce and affordable housing options, and we need to invest in fire, EMS, police and education. We need to adapt to growth without putting undue stress on our infrastructure. All of these issues will be addressed by the board of supervisors, and my skills and talents are well-suited to making data-driven decisions that benefit our community.

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Barbara Null

Affiliation: Republican

Website: barbara4stonehouse.com

Biography: Barbara Null did not respond to our request for a biography. On her website, Null says she understands “the tremendous influence those serving in local government can have on our county” and believes local officials should rely on citizen input when making decisions. She currently represents the Stonehouse District on the James City County Planning Commission and has been endorsed by Supervisor Sue Sadler, whom she hopes to succeed. Null is a native Virginian and the daughter of a US Navy WWII Ace pilot, whom she says died in a carrier accident in 1952. Upon her father’s passing, she became a commercial pilot to honor his memory and built a 36-year career as an employee of United Airlines. Aside from her role on the Planning Commission, Null has served as a member of Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), the Fraternal Order of Police and the Virginia Sheriff’s Institute. She has also served as the past president of Greater Williamsburg Republican Women, the former chair of the WJCC Republican Committee and as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity.

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