Drew Mitchell at Avon Hall. (Photo/Bob Hurley)
Background: President of Fathom Creative, a Washington, D.C.-based design and communications firm; purchased Avon Hall in Little Washington in 2016 and resides in a cottage on the property; Virginia resident since 2018; serves on the town’s Architectural Review Board (ARB), the Fourth of July Celebration Committee and Christmas Parade Committee; grew up in Saratoga, Calif.; graduated from California State University, Chico, with a degree in visual communications; moved to Washington, D.C. in 1989 and founded Fathom Creative in 1994; married Tyler Townsend in 2025; age 61.
The Spark: My love of the outdoors and small communities began long before I came to Rappahannock. Growing up near the Santa Cruz Mountains, weekends meant camping, hiking and fishing with my family, while the Boy Scouts taught me to appreciate nature and service. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of neighborhood gatherings, parades and people coming together to create something really special.
My parents, especially my mom, also believed helping neighbors wasn’t optional. They expected me to mow lawns, help elderly residents and pitch in wherever I was needed. It never felt like volunteering — it was simply what you were supposed to do.
When Bill Fischer and I bought Avon Hall, I found a community that reminded me of those childhood experiences. People here give their time because they genuinely care about this place and each other. That spirit inspired me to become involved rather than simply enjoy what others had built.
Proudest Achievement: I’m not sure there’s one achievement that stands above the others. I’m proud whenever I can use my creativity, experience, property or resources to make something positive happen — whether that’s opening Avon Hall for concerts and community events, helping organize and promote the Fourth of July celebration and Christmas parade, or serving on the ARB.
One effort I’m especially proud of has been helping make the ARB feel more welcoming and collaborative. Historic preservation is important, but residents should feel the town is working with them to find practical solutions rather than simply telling them what they cannot do. I believe good conversations before an application reaches the board often lead to better outcomes for everyone.
Biggest Challenge: The greatest challenge of my life was losing my first husband, Bill, to cancer in 2019. He was only 44. We put the renovation of Avon Hall and nearly everything else on hold so we could focus on the time we had together.
That experience changed my perspective. It reminded me that time is limited, relationships matter more than accomplishments, and postponing the things that bring meaning to your life can be a mistake. I’ve since been fortunate to find love again and marry Tyler, but Bill’s life and loss remain an important part of who I am.
Why It Matters: Communities like Rappahannock don’t happen by accident. Their traditions, institutions, landscapes and sense of belonging endure because people quietly give their time without expecting recognition.
For me, volunteering is also an expression of gratitude. I receive so much from living here — the beauty, friendships, history and sense of connection — that helping where I can feels less like an obligation than a privilege. When you contribute, you stop simply living somewhere and begin to feel responsible for its future.
Favorite Rappahannock Treasure: The obvious answer is the landscape. The view from U.S. 211 near Massies Corner still takes my breath away, as does Old Rag where it appears near Gid Brown Hollow.
But Rappahannock’s greatest treasure is really the combination of its landscape and its people. The county brings together individuals with remarkably different backgrounds and perspectives who share an understanding that this place is worth protecting. The mountains and open fields may draw people here, but the relationships and sense of community are what make it home.
