Dr. John M. Markwood Honored

By Jonathon Shacat
Daily Staff Writer
Published in the Northern Virginia Daily on Feb. 13, 2007.



CROSS JUNCTION — The executive director of Timber Ridge School has been honored as the 2007 Executive of the Year by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers.
The award was presented to John Markwood, a 30-year veteran of the school, during the association’s annual conference in Florida on Jan. 18.

The association has more than 350 member organizations nationwide. It represents private special education centers and their leaders. It promotes high-quality programs for individuals with disabilities and their families and advocates for access to the continuum of alternative placements and services, according to www.napsec.org.

Markwood, 61, said he is proud of the award for two reasons. First, he was selected by his peers to receive it. Also, he respects the previous seven recipients of the honor.

“It means a great deal to me,” he said during a recent interview.
Since 1977, Markwood has served as executive director of Timber Ridge School. As a result of his leadership, the once-struggling small summer camp has grown into a 217-acre campus built to serve at-risk boys in Virginia and neighboring states.

During his tenure, he has overseen a 20-year physical improvement plan. Timber Ridge has built two school buildings, seven dormitories, a health services building, a dining hall and an administrative building. Also, the $3 million Charles A. Ricketts Memorial Gymnasium should be completed this spring.

As the population of Timber Ridge School grew, Markwood also worked to hire competent staff. He insisted that the school seek out the best in all aspects, including educationally, residentially and therapeutically, according to a press release.

He has played a leadership role in the state by advocating for youth with special needs. He was a founding member of the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities and served as board president for two terms. He was also instrumental in developing state-approved accreditation standards.
Timber Ridge was one of the first 10 schools accredited through the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services, according to the release.

Markwood said he received the Executive of the Year award because of “the tremendous good fortune” of working with a talented and gifted group.

“It’s not about me, but it is about us,” he said. “It is not an award that is given to an individual, although I was lucky enough to get my name on it. It is really an award that is given to a school, a community, a staff, a board and people who are working very hard to make positive changes in the lives of these boys.”

Markwood plans to retire in July. A search is currently under way for his replacement.

Contact Jonathon Shacat at jshacat@nvdaily.com