The building that houses some NCS offices, programs and services is named for Martha Pennino, who served 24 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Her tenure (1968-1992) as the Centreville Supervisor and later the vice chair of the Board coincided with the county’s rapid growth. Pennino was instrumental in myriad areas, especially human services and transportation, earning her the nickname “Mother Fairfax.” She died in 2004.

Pennino, who lived in Reston, helped bring to the Reston community parks, schools, fire and rescue stations, the Reston Regional Library, and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter.

This story is part of NCS Stories - an initiative to preserve and share stories of the persons, places and events that shaped the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.