When Dave and Mary Walker decided to settle down in Belle Haven just over six years ago, they weren’t strangers to Northern Virginia—or to service. The couple’s remarkable careers have taken them around the world and through nearly every sector of the American economy and branch of government. But it’s in this historic Alexandria neighborhood, nestled along the Potomac, that they’ve found a deep sense of community.

“We love the location, beauty, and diversity of the homes and the community spirit,” said Dave Walker, 74. “We are also very impressed with how many people who grew up in the neighborhood return to Belle Haven to raise their families.”

The Walkers aren’t newcomers to Northern Virginia. In fact, this is their third time living in the area, having returned in 2019 after a stint in Connecticut when Dave accepted a position as a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Dave earned his accounting degree from Jacksonville University in Florida, where he also met Mary—an Art History major from Jacksonville, Florida. Their meeting was cute. A chance encounter at the Final Four college basketball tournament in College Park, Maryland, where their college team fell to UCLA in the national championship game.

The game may not have turned out the way either wanted, but they both came out winners. 

Mary went on to build a 31-year career with Delta Airlines, while Dave embarked on what can only be described as a whirlwind tour of public service, leadership, and fiscal stewardship. His resume includes roles as Comptroller General of the United States, CEO of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, head of two other executive branch federal agencies and two nonprofits, and time as a partner with a global CPA and consulting firm. He also served as a trustee for Social Security and Medicare and chaired the Audit Committee at the United Nations.

Nicknamed the “Paul Revere of Fiscal Responsibility,” Dave has made a career of sounding the alarm on national debt and fiscal mismanagement. But these days, his focus also includes some local roles—including as president of the Belle Haven Citizens Association (BHCA). 

Mary is the BHCA Historian and 100th Anniversary coordinator. This past spring she led a walking tour of homes in the neighborhood and made some special plans for the Annual meeting.  

Mary, for her part, brings her own energy and talents to Belle Haven. In addition to her work with the BHCA, she sings in their church choir and plays several instruments. The couple are active members of their church where Dave is a lead usher and both enjoy playing pickleball—a favorite pastime in Alexandria.

Their involvement in community service doesn’t stop there. Mary is an active member of the DAR and Dave is an active member of the SAR. Dave is also an active Rotarian and participates in multiple local service projects, while the couple supports a number of charitable causes financially.

The couple have two adult children and three grandchildren, and while not all of them are nearby, they make an effort to stay connected—especially around the holidays. Their daughter Carol, 51, is a teacher in Stafford County, and their son Andy, 48, is an IT professional based in Philadelphia. Their grandchildren are Christi, 24, Grace, 22, and Danny, 19. 

“We try to get together on or close to Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Dave said. “We get together with our daughter and son-in-law frequently since they live much closer than our son and his family,” according to Mary.

The family also once included Lily the dog and Blackstone the cat, both of whom passed away after their move to Belle Haven. “We miss them,” Dave said.

In their over 54 years of marriage, Dave and Mary have visited every U.S. state, every continent, and about 100 countries.

The couple’s favorite local spots reflect their appreciation for history, community, and good food. They enjoy visiting Mount Vernon, the Mount Vernon Country Club, the Alexandria Farmer’s Market, and Southside 815 in Old Town. 

Despite the high-profile nature of their careers, Dave and Mary remain approachable and deeply committed to their country and community. In a neighborhood known for its picturesque homes and strong community bonds, the Walkers are emblematic of what makes Belle Haven special: a commitment to service, a love of history, and a deep appreciation for the people who call it home.