Fairfax County is mourning the loss of former Deputy County Executive Verdia L. Haywood, whose decades of leadership built and strengthened the county’s coordinated human services system and expanded support for residents across the community. Haywood passed away Feb. 6, 2026.
Haywood joined Fairfax County government in 1978 as an executive assistant to the county executive. Recognized early for his professionalism, judgment and commitment to public service, he was appointed deputy county executive for human services in 1981 — a role he held for nearly 30 years.
In that position, Haywood became widely known as the architect of Fairfax County’s coordinated human services delivery system. He oversaw the growth and integration of programs spanning public health, housing, family services, behavioral and mental health, and juvenile and domestic relations services, helping ensure residents could access comprehensive, high-quality support through a unified network. In the later years of his tenure, he also played a key role in establishing the county’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness, strengthening Fairfax’s coordinated response to housing instability.
During a period of rapid population growth and changing community needs, Haywood focused on building systems that were both responsive and sustainable. He championed collaboration among county agencies and forged strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations, faith communities, schools and private-sector partners. These relationships strengthened the county’s safety net and expanded access to critical services for vulnerable populations.
“Verdia was the architect of Fairfax County’s human services delivery system,” said Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “He built the partnerships that continue to define how we serve residents today and brought people together to solve complex challenges. It is fitting that the conference center at the Gerry Hyland Government Center bears his name because collaboration was central to his work. He combined compassion with pragmatism to strengthen our human services system and changed the lives of countless residents, many of whom never knew his name but felt the impact of his work.”
Under Haywood’s leadership, Fairfax County developed innovative service models that became a regional and national example of effective human services coordination. Colleagues credit him with helping move the county away from fragmented programs toward a more holistic, client-centered approach — one that emphasized dignity, prevention and long-term stability.
Throughout his career, Haywood was known for his calm, thoughtful leadership style and his ability to bring people together around shared goals. Soft-spoken and deeply respectful, he earned trust across departments and disciplines. He encouraged collaboration, valued diverse perspectives and consistently placed the needs of residents at the center of decision-making.
He was also deeply committed to developing future leaders. Many current and former county employees recall his mentorship, guidance and willingness to invest time in helping others grow professionally. His influence extended well beyond formal organizational charts, shaping the culture of Fairfax County’s human services system for generations.
Haywood’s contributions were recognized throughout his career through numerous community honors and commendations, including recognition from the Virginia General Assembly for his service to Northern Virginia.
He retired from county service Jan. 19, 2010, but continued to support the county and its community partners through board service and civic engagement, including his work with ServiceSource and other nonprofit organizations.
Haywood’s legacy lives on in the programs, partnerships and professionals he helped shape — and in the countless lives improved through his steady, compassionate leadership.
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