About Us

Susan Helander, Owner, Certified Principal and Director of Management: Susan has extensive management experience in both HOAs and condominiums, has worked with start-up developer and established associations, high rise and piggy-back condominium unit owners associations in addition to “Active 55 & Better” associations which included amenities such as pools, lakes, multipurpose courts, fitness centers and walking trails requiring in depth understanding of the subject and contractor knowledge. She transitioned from the landscape industry to community management in 2006.

A Town of Warrenton resident for the last 25 years, Susan has served on the Town of Warrenton Planning Commission since 2006, is the current Chairman and is a Certified Planning Commissioner. She is past President of the Hospice Support of Fauquier County, and a former member of The Partnership for Warrenton’s Board of Directors where she currently serves on the Design Committee. Susan is also the founder of the Warrenton Tree Board and The Pruning School.

Prior to opening First Virginia Community Management in 2012 and starting in the community management industry in 2006, she spent 25 years in the landscape industry, has a Landscape Design Certificate from GWU and was a Certified Horticulturist. She has been a Master Gardener in both Fairfax and Fauquier Counties since 1986. She is a licensed Community Manager and a Certified Principal with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Brooke Carder, Director of Finance and Administration: Brooke joined FVCmanagement with prior experience in community management and accounting, and many years of experience working in office environments. As an owner in a Common Interest Community, she understands an owner’s perspective on Common Interest Community living. Brooke has been attending CAI financial classes since 2014. Brooke is responsible for the oversight of all owner accounts, deposits, association invoice payments, late and demand letters and interacts directly with auditors and tax professionals.

Alexander Rae, Administrator, is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College with a BA in English. He spent 12 years working in Judicial/ Court Administration in Tarrant County, TX, and was more recently focused on Data Analytics with a Governmental Health Organization. After spending 14 years in Texas, Alexander has moved to Northern Virginia and joined the FVCM team with a focus in business administration, website maintenance, and community engagement.