email: cindyalleeperry@gmail.com
How long have you lived in Woodlake? 29 years
Where did you move from? My family moved from a different area of Chesterfield. I personally moved to Richmond in 1986 from Buffalo, NY via Cedar Falls, Iowa where I was raised.
Describe any previous experience serving on a board, particularly if for a property owners association.
Vice President of Virginia Scholastic Chess Association Board and also a term board member of Chesterfield Public Schools Gifted Program.
What other activities or groups are you involved in at Woodlake or outside of Woodlake?
I do enjoy using the pools and courts in Woodlake. Pickleball is my favorite but I Also attend the Friday night musical socials and other wonderful social opportunities Woodlake continues to offer.
6 Questions Asked of Each Board Candidate:
1. How do you describe Woodlake to other people?
Before living in Woodlake, I never imagined a community could feel like the “dream” everyone talks about. Growing up in Iowa, I prayed for a place where family and friends would love to visit—and I found it the day I watched my young children playing at the AFC in 1997. Looking out over the pavilion and lake, I realized we were already living in a vacation home.
What makes Woodlake truly special isn’t just the amenities, it’s the sense of community. My children experienced a small-town feel; biking with friends, connecting with neighbors, and growing up in a safe, welcoming environment. Over the past 29 years, we’ve been able to raise our family and now enjoy retiring here, surrounded by neighbors who care deeply about this community.
Woodlake evolves with its residents. Excellent schools, thoughtful amenities, and strong connections make it a place where families can grow, thrive, and age in place. This community truly provides a “one-stop shop” for both the emotional and physical needs of its residents, making it an exceptional place to call home.
2.What do you consider to be the primary functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors?
In any organization, the purpose of a Board of Directors is to provide policy oversight, financial stewardship, asset and infrastructure maintenance, community engagement and communication, identification of strategic opportunities for improvement, and conflict resolution. The Woodlake HOA Board is no different.
As a long-term resident, I understand how challenging it can be for homeowners to stay deeply involved in monitoring community assets and finances while also focusing on their own family responsibilities and financial futures. For many years, I trusted the Board to represent my thoughts and priorities in protecting and supporting the family-friendly community we all value.
Today, I am both able and eager to personally contribute to that responsibility. I want to help ensure that Woodlake continues to uphold the principles of sound stewardship, thoughtful planning, and strong community values that residents have come to trust. Our shared goal is clear: preserving and strengthening a welcoming environment where a diverse group of residents can enjoy the warm, friendly lifestyle Woodlake offers.
Throughout my career in television communications, education, business ownership, and board participation, I have developed skills in communication, project design, collaboration, and problem-solving. I believe a board member must stay connected with residents and listen carefully so that decisions reflect the priorities of the community as a whole.
If elected, I would take seriously my role as a representative of the residents—working to ensure that families can focus on their lives with confidence, knowing their community is being thoughtfully and responsibly managed.
3. What personal characteristics/skills do you possess that you believe will enhance the performance of the Board?
My professional and volunteer experiences have consistently centered around communication, leadership, and community engagement—skills that I believe bring meaningful value to the Woodlake Board. Throughout my career in television production and promotion, I developed strong abilities in clear communication, project coordination, and presenting information in ways that engage and inform diverse audiences. Those skills are particularly valuable when ensuring residents understand community initiatives, policies, and long-term planning.
In addition, my experience as a business owner and licensed insurance and financial solutions professional has strengthened my understanding of financial stewardship, budgeting, and responsible long-term planning—critical responsibilities for any board overseeing community resources and assets.
I have also spent many years working with boards, committees, and educational programs, including teaching television production within Chesterfield County Public Schools. These experiences taught me the importance of listening, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making thatconsiders the needs of many stakeholders.
As a long-time Woodlake resident, I combine these professional skills with a deep personal commitment to protecting and strengthening the community that has been home to my family for nearly three decades.
4. What is your experience, attendance, and/or participation in board and/or committee meetings at Woodlake?
I have been a long-time supporter of Woodlake and have remained engaged in many of the important discussions shaping our community. Over the years, I have attended meetings whenever possible alongside my professional responsibilities, particularly those involving the use of resident funds and long-term community assets. These included discussions surrounding the purchase of the pool from East West Realty and the planning and implementation of the new Sports and Recreation Center design.
As a resident, I also participated in conversations regarding the community-wide trash service initiative, recognizing the importance of thoughtful decisions that impact both residents and the financial health of the association.
Since retiring, I have continued contributing to the community by supporting my husband’s efforts to expand pickleball opportunities at Woodlake. His “Sandlot at Woodlake” youth and adult camps provide a welcoming environment where both experienced racquet sport players and recreational participants can learn, practice, and enjoy the sport in a fun and professionally guided setting.
5. What do you feel are the main issues and/or concerns confronting Woodlake over the next 3 to 5 years. One of the most significant issues Woodlake will continue to face over the next three to fi ve years is the natural aging of our community. With many of the homes, amenities, and infrastructure approaching or exceeding 40 years, this reality must be carefully considered each time budgets are reviewed and long-term plans are developed.
The challenge will often be deciding when to maintain and repair existing assets versus when it is wiser to redesign or update them using modern materials and approaches. Both options carry financial implications, which is why thoughtful planning and responsible financial stewardship will be essential.
Major considerations—such as projects like the Thacker property and the long-term management of the land surrounding the reservoir—require careful research, transparent discussion, and honest foresight to ensure decisions serve the community well into the future.
If elected, I look forward to helping address these challenges with a balanced approach that combines sound financial planning with maintaining the quality of life that makes Woodlake so special. I also believe open communication with residents will be essential as we work together to guide the community forward.
6. Residents have expressed concern over the upkeep and conditions of Woodlake Community common and/or open space as designed under the master plan. As a candidate, do you have a vision, or can you share your thoughts on this topic?
One of the reasons my family chose to purchase our home in Woodlake was the opportunity for our children to enjoy the neighborhood playgrounds. Over the years, I have seen many other families experience the same joy as their children gather, play, and build friendships in these shared spaces.
However, many of the current playground areas face challenges due to the natural Woodlake environment. Heavy tree cover can limit sunlight, leading to mold and moisture issues, while traditional mulch surfaces can attract worms and other natural composting organisms. While beneficial for landscaping, these conditions can create concerns for cleanliness and safety in areas designed for children.
Having observed the City of Richmond’s playground rehabilitation projects, I know there are modern materials and design approaches that could significantly improve both durability and safety while reducing maintenance needs. My goal would be to explore low-maintenance, high-appeal playground solutions that preserve these important community assets.
I also believe residents would be eager to help support these spaces through volunteer oversight programs. With thoughtful planning, community involvement, and smart material choices, we can enhance playground safety and appearance without placing unnecessary strain on the current budget—ensuring Woodlake remains a safe and welcoming environment for families.