By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
For Maryanne Hill, community involvement is not a side project. It is woven into her daily life, her career, and her role as a parent. While she has lived in Prince William County for nine years, she has worked in the county since 2003, giving her a deep appreciation for both its history and its future.
“What I like most about living here is that the amenities are amazing,” Maryanne shared. She points to places like the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the continued focus on quality-of-life improvements driven by the Prince William County Department of Economic Development. She also enjoys exploring historic sites through Parks and Recreation and staying engaged with the local winery, brewery, and live music scenes. “I love history and live music, so when the two marry together, it is a fantastic experience for me.” Her passion for preservation keeps her closely following projects like the William Dawes House in Brentsville and Annaburg Manor in the City of Manassas.
Alongside her professional role as Director of Programming and Events for the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Maryanne leads work that is deeply personal. She chairs the Prince William chapter of Decoding Dyslexia, a nonprofit connected to state and national efforts to improve awareness and support for individuals with dyslexia. The chapter began when Maryanne and two other parents recognized the need for local advocacy and education.
“Our mission is to build awareness, respect, and understanding of dyslexia and how it affects children and their families,” she explained. “We celebrate, support, and bring together those citizens living their lives through a neurodiverse lens.” The group works in collaboration with Prince William County Public Schools, Manassas City Public Schools, and Manassas Park City Schools, attending literacy nights, presenting to community organizations, and partnering with other nonprofits on awareness events.
Maryanne’s commitment to inclusion also extends to her service on the Prince William County Disabilities Services Board and the Special Education Advisory Committee for Prince William County Public Schools. Through these roles, she helps ensure that families and students with disabilities have a voice in conversations that shape policies and services.
When asked what advice she would give to someone new to the area, Maryanne focused on staying informed and connected. “Welcome,” she said. “Be sure to visit the Prince William County, Chamber, and both cities’ websites. There is information that benefits you, no matter where you live in the region.”
At the heart of Maryanne’s work is her family. She is a mom of three, and her advocacy is driven by both professional insight and lived experience. Her goal is clear and steady: to raise strong daughters while helping create a more understanding and supportive community for all families. Through leadership, education, and collaboration, Maryanne Hill is helping Prince William move forward with greater awareness, empathy, and opportunity.
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Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living and CEO of Imagine, a destination marketing and communications agency. With more than 30 years in journalism, marketing, and community leadership, she is passionate about telling local stories that strengthen connections and inspire civic engagement across Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
