Joint Board Matter by Supervisor Palchik with Chairman McKay and Supervisor Alcorn

Members of the Board,

Billy Thompson, the immediate past President of the Greater Merrifield Business Association (GMBA), stepped down this year after seven years as President. Billy has been a key member since 1995 and he will remain on the board.

In addition to his work with the Greater Merrifield Business Association, Billy served on the Tysons Task Force and was a public advocate for many Merrifield development projects, including Inova, Fairview Park, and Fairfax Water. He has been a source of support and mentorship to many business owners in Merrifield and Fairfax.

Preceding his leadership with GMBA, Billy has a long history of serving his community, starting with Marshall Road Student President in 1962. He served on the VA Small Business Advisory Board, chaired the Tysons Chamber of Commerce, served as President of the Vienna Rotary Club, served as a 5-year mentor in the Be-Friend program, coached Little League, Babe Ruth and Men’s and Girls’ softball and has been the co-chair of the Fairfax County Homeless Shelters children’s Christmas party for 12 years, and even dressed up as Santa.

Billy brings his endless optimism and cheerful smile to everything he is involved with. He has received numerous accolades and awards for his service to the community. He was an outstanding President to GMBA and helped shape and grow the organization into what it is today.

Therefore, we move without objections that we recognize Billy Thompson for his years of service as President of the Greater Merrifield Business Association. We also move that the Office of Public Affairs prepare a proclamation for presentation at a future Board meeting.