Summary
- Supervisor Alcorn will appoint Paul D. Thomas as Hunter Mill Planning Commissioner on Aug. 25, 2026.
- Thomas will begin his term effective Sept. 1, 2026, replacing John Carter who announced his retirement on July 22.
- A life-long Reston resident, Thomas served on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force, along with many other nonprofit and county boards and committees. He's also a former Fairfax County Public School math and science teacher.
Fairfax County Supervisor Walter Alcorn will move to appoint Paul D. Thomas as the new Hunter Mill District Planning Commissioner at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 25, 2026.
“I’m pleased to appoint Paul Thomas as Hunter Mill Planning Commissioner,” Alcorn said. “He brings a community-first perspective to this important role that helps guide future development in the Hunter Mill District. His experience and insights will effectively allow him to listen and engage with residents, neighborhoods and the business community to evaluate and shape development proposals for the benefit of our community.”
He will begin his service on the Planning Commission effective Sept. 1, replacing John Carter who announced his retirement from the commission on July 22.
“My experience serving on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force — alongside many community leaders including Commissioner John Carter and the late Bob Simon —and deep knowledge of Fairfax County as a teacher, coach, parent, and volunteer will help me be an effective Planning Commissioner who can work with staff, developers, and community members,” Thomas said. “I look forward to helping ensure that growth in Fairfax County is responsible, orderly, balanced, and equitable.”
A lifelong Restonian, Thomas previously taught math and computer science at Thomas Jeferson High School, and he has served on numerous nonprofit and county boards and committees, including the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, Fairfax County Human Services Council, Reston Association Board , Reston Historic Trust Board and South Lakes High School’s PTSA and Band Boosters.
Thomas currently works as an education consultant who specializes in math and computer science curriculum development. For the past 30 years, he has developed research-driven curricula for small startups, public corporations, and nonprofits
He earned a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University, along with a master’s degree from GMU in operations research and management science.
Planning Commissioners serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, and they may be reappointed to additional terms. The Planning Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters related to the orderly growth and development of land in Fairfax County, including Comprehensive Plan amendments, Zoning Ordinance amendments and rezoning applications.
For more information, contact the Hunter Mill District office at 703-478-0283, TTY 711.