The Virginia Chapter of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) was founded in January 2015. Virginia is part of ACFW’s Mid-Atlantic Zone. ACFW’s Zone Director is Linda W. Yezak.
2023 ACFW Virginia Chapter
Board Members
Deena Adams
President
After serving as ACFW Virginia Chapter Secretary for three years, Deena put her leadership ability to use and became president in 2023. She also leads the Chesapeake cluster. In conjunction with her passion to inspire readers through hope-filled fiction, she finds great pleasure in supporting other writers through Marathon—a Facebook group for writers and their cheerleaders—and hosting Christian authors on her blog. Connect with Deena at deenaadams.com.
Crystal Sandow
Vice President
Crystal served as ACFW Virginia Chapter Vice President for two years, and after a one-year hiatus to care for family, resumed that role in 2023. Having previously served as the Area Coordinator for ACFW Georgia Chapter, and as the Virginia Beach cluster founder and leader, Crystal brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Writing under the pen name c. joy allen, she desires to help others see joy in the journey of life. Connect with Crystal at cjoyallen.com.
Susan Sams Baggott
Secretary
Susan has been an active ACFW Virginia Chapter member since 2020 and joined the Board of Directors in 2023 as Secretary. With her administrative gifts and attention to detail, she is an asset to the team and to the entire chapter. Susan is a writer of mystery and romance that stir your heart and get your heart pumping. Connect with Susan at susansamsbaggott.com.
Mirachelle Canada
Treasurer
Mirachelle is serving her third year as ACFW Virginia Chapter Treasurer. She does an excellent job keeping the chapter finances in order, in addition to providing support in many other areas. With years of experience in TV production, screenwriting, and plays, she pursues writing stories to inspire faith and purpose, a love of hers since she was ten years old. Connect with Mirachelle at mirachellecanada.com.
Jacinta Meredith
Social Media Coordinator
Jacinta joined the ACFW Virginia Chapter Board as Social Media Coordinator in May of 2022. With her gift of administration, and eye for details and graphics, she has brought a level of excellence and connection to the chapter’s online presence that was much needed. Her goal in writing is not necessarily to shield people from life’s struggles, but to let them see the hope shining through it. Connect with Jacinta at forestidylls.com.
Kelly Goshorn
Conference Coordinator
Kelly served one year as ACFW Virginia Chapter Vice President before wholeheartedly pouring herself into the role of president for four consecutive years. Her selfless service and unmatched passion for this chapter carries on in 2023 through her new position as Conference Coordinator. She is an old-fashioned girl trapped in the 21st century who loves Jesus and her family. Connect with Kelly at kellygoshorn.com.
To volunteer, or for questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact us here.
Thanks to Our Charter Members
Tim Brendle :: Dawn Byrd :: Jerry Eicher :: Rita Engen :: Kelly Goshorn
Heather Gray :: Vie Herlocker :: Elizabeth Maddrey :: Sarah Norkus :: Lynellen Perry
Sally Shupe :: Erin Unger :: Tracy Wainwright :: Linda White