On May 26, Leadership Fairfax presented its 2022 Katherine K. Hanley Award for Public Service to Tom Fleetwood, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The award recognizes individuals who have left an indelible mark on Fairfax County through public services as an employee or volunteer.

Fleetwood, joined by his family and colleagues from HCD and the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA), received high honors from Kevin Greenlief, a former FCRHA commissioner, and Katherine Hanley, former chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for whom the award was named. The pair paid tribute to Fleetwood’s focused commitment to public service and how he “always leaves things better than he found them,” and has “transformed the way the department works with nonprofits and the community” in finding new and innovative ways to provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.

“There is simply no way that Fairfax County would be where it is today in terms of affordable housing without Tom Fleetwood at the helm. Under his leadership, HCD and the FCRHA have blazed new trails, innovated policies and processes, and utilized the county’s Moving-to-Work authority to maximize the benefit of federal programs, resources, and services to meet the county’s unique needs at the neighborhood level. It is such a pleasure to work alongside him.”

- Chairman Melissa McKenna
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority

"Tom Fleetwood is a tireless advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable in Fairfax County. His constant work to grow and expand access to affordable housing is a driving force in the doubling of our commitment to build 10,000 net affordable units in the County by 2034. I can think of no person more deserving of the Hanley Public Service Award than Tom. He is a leader for those in need and I am proud to call him my colleague and my friend.”

- Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay
 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Under Fleetwood’s leadership, the FCRHA, HCD, and development partners have created a development pipeline that includes more than 3,000 units with many more on the way within just the first three years since establishing the county’s housing goal. Fairfax County has also become a recognized leader in the development of affordable housing on dedicated public land through public-private partnerships.

"One of the reasons we are making so much progress at this point in time is Tom Fleetwood. We don’t miss opportunities—an opportunity comes up and we strike, and we make it happen.”

- Dranesville Supervisor John Foust
Chairman, Board of Supervisors Housing Committee

In acknowledgement of his distinguished recognition, Fleetwood recognized the unwavering support of his family, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the FCRHA. He also recognized the outstanding contributions of HCD staff and the county’s network of development partners in tackling the issue of affordable housing.

“Affordable housing is a team sport that can only be accomplished with the support of excellent leadership, a great team of dedicated professionals, and a strong network of partners who share a common vision. Together we are making miracles every day and I am proud to lead such a distinguished group.”

- Tom Fleetwood, Director
Fairfax County Department of Housing