Meet the Board
Mitzi Saffos, President
Born and raised in Colonial Beach, Virginia, Mitzi attended school locally through her senior year. After graduation, she worked for over a decade at what is now the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. She later attended Mary Washington College and earned a BA in American Studies. After graduating, she held positions at George Washington’s Fredericksburg Foundation and later at the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center (FAMCC).
In the latter position she served as Director of Special Events and considers her work on the 2007 event, Discovery Days: Exploring Virginia with John Smith, as the highlight of her museum career. After leaving her position at FAMCC, she moved full-time to her home in Colonial Beach, where she and her husband Ted established the first brewery in the town, aptly named Colonial Beach Brewing.
She and Ted recently retired from the brewery business which is now in the capable hands of their son Chris and partner Jen, leaving the retirees to focus their time and talents on community efforts.
Deborah Newman, Vice President
Deborah Newman brings more than 35 years of experience working at the intersection of art, culture, technology, and community. Her professional journey began in the restaurant industry throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area, where she spent 25 years working in and managing a variety of eateries. These experiences sparked a deep appreciation for global cuisine, travel, history, and the many ways people connect through culture and shared experiences.
Deborah earned her Bachelor’s degree from George Mason University with a concentration in Indigenous Arts and Culture, further expanding her interest in cultural traditions, history, and artistic expression from around the world. Her love of travel and learning about diverse cultures continues to influence her work and her collaborations with artists, nonprofits, and creative organizations.
After co-founding a computer repair and web design company in Maine, Deborah later relocated back to Virginia and founded Petite Taway Inc., where she specializes in building effective, engaging websites for nonprofits, small businesses, and artists across the world.
Deborah is also passionate about bringing people together and strengthening communities. She founded several networking organizations, including Northern Neck Networking and Networking with Tisha and Deb, which connect entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders. She serves on the boards of several historical and arts organizations and frequently works with nonprofits that use art, culture, and creative expression as tools for healing, storytelling, and fundraising.
Sharon Byle, Treasurer
Sharon is the co-owner of CB Train Junction and a part-time bookkeeper, she brings many years of bookkeeping experience for small non-profits. She grew up in Montclair and went to college at George Mason University.
Her first job out of college was with First Virginia Bank, she then moved to the Philadelphia area with her new husband and stayed there for 30 years, raising kids was the focus of those years and building a small bookkeeping practice.
Retirement brought them down to Colonial Beach, having vacationed at her sister’s on the point for 15 years. Two of their 3 adult children live in the 22443! Getting involved in the community led to her helping with the Historical Society.
Kelly Woods Vaughn, Board Member
Kelly Woods Vaughn is the co-owner and COO of B & K Hotels which is the parent company of the Riverview Inn here in Colonial Beach, in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Revitalizing the Riverview Inn in 2017, brought a new business to Hawthorne Street, strengthening the small business community of Colonial Beach.
In her career, Kelly has worked with local, state and federal government agencies, the health, construction industries and non-profits. She comes with corporate experience, marketing, contracting and fundamental management.
Scott Lindsey, Board Member
Scott Lindsey is a part time resident of Colonial Beach for the past 4 years. Dividing his time between the river and Fredericksburg. Scott recently retired as a Franchisee with Sylvan Learning Centers. He just opened a coastal boutique here in town called Magnolia Hall. magnoliahallcbva.com
He and his partner own and operate a few short term rentals in town called CBVA Rentals. cbvarentals.com Scott serves on the local B.A.M.M. Board which supplements after school programs and scholarships to local students. He also serves on a Presidential Advisory Board at the University of Mary Washington. Scott enjoys the rich history of our river community and has worked on restoring multiple properties in town including their home built in 1907.
Pam Levine, Board Member
Pam Levine is a new full time resident of Colonial Beach as of August 2025. Born and raised on Long Island, NY, another history drenched community, Pam has loved what these small communities have offered to her and her family. Because of a wonderful job opportunity, Pam and her family relocated to Virginia 12 years ago. While in Aldie, VA, Pam was Co-President of her community’s Activities Committee and thoroughly enjoyed planning events and opportunities for her community to gather together. Pam worked as a Guidance Counselor at a local High School and has dedicated the last 12 years as an advocate for children with special needs.
Pam attended school at Adelphi University, received her BSW and then went on to City University of NY, Queens College and received her MSEd,specializing in Counseling Education. Pam has 3 beautiful children, 2 grown and working in NOVA, and one who is a new student at CBHS.
Pam loves what this new “Colonial Beach lifestyle” has to offer…beautiful sunrises on the beach, beautiful sunsets on the bay, wonderful new friendships and the opportunities to get involved in her new forever community.
Doug Grisevich, Board Member
Doug Grisevich is a community leader and small business owner, best known as co-owner of GrowRVA, an organization that develops and manages community-focused farmers markets and events in Virginia. Alongside his wife Karen, he has played a key role in expanding access to local food, supporting small businesses, and creating vibrant public spaces that bring communities together.
Through Colonial Beach Outfitters, Doug has been actively involved in community initiatives including the Colonial Beach Farmers Market, hosted weekly at the CB Volunteer Fire Department. He readily participates in local events and recreational programming, including support for town-sponsored activities and community engagement efforts.
With a strong commitment to community development, volunteerism, and local partnerships, Doug brings valuable leadership and experience to his role as a board member, helping to support initiatives that promote culture, education, and community connection.