Five county employees were recognized with the A. Heath Onthank Award for Merit, the highest honor awarded by the county to its employees, at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Sharon Arndt
Arndt led the development and implementation of a COVID-19 vaccine equity strategy to reach populations at high risk for contracting the virus and for experiencing worse health outcomes due to historical and systemic marginalization. Her hard work led to 717 equity clinics, accounting for 3.6% of COVID-19 vaccine doses, as well as contact with over 18,000 county residents. Under Arndt's leadership, there were hundreds of vaccine equity clinic events, enhancing the health and well-being of thousands of county residents.

Keisha Dotson
As the NCS Division Director who oversees the Coordinated Services Planning Call Center, Dotson led the adaptation and creation of the county and community’s basic needs response, helping to disburse over $90 million dollars to county residents for rent, utility, and food assistance. She created new policies and procedures, as well as additional services that improved public assistance by working collaboratively with the court system, community providers, houses of worship, and county stakeholders to respond to the unprecedented needs facing Fairfax County residents.

Amy Ginger
Ginger led the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority's federal policy interactions, persuading HUD to do business differently, facilitating approval of the trailblazing, first-of-its-kind One University redevelopment which will provide 240 new affordable housing units for extremely low and low-income families and seniors. One University was outside of Ginger's usual duties as it involved a unique, once-in-a-career situation which was concluded successfully thanks to her tremendous skill, knowledge and thoughtful commitment to public service.

Dwayne Pelfrey
As Transportation Division Chief, Pelfrey managed the county’s public bus transit system, the Fairfax Connector, leading a team of 30 county and over 800 contract staff across all key transit service functional areas – planning, operations, fleet maintenance, facilities, safety, and customer service – throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on equity and disadvantaged communities, Pelfrey ensured safe transit for critical infrastructure workers and residents and commuters reliant on public transportation in a role that required him to be available endless hours for more than a year. His tireless work undoubtedly improved lives.

Lisa Thompson
As a Facility Coordinator, Thompson took on the project of the Next Steps Family Shelter, repairing and decorating 19 units to provide safe, decent, and welcoming units for families in crisis. She spent every workday, and often weekends as well, at the project site communicating with contractors and coordinating with others in the cleaning and enhancement of units so they could be used as emergency sheltering. Her endless efforts, along with her compassion and empathy for her community, allowed this project to flourish in its mission of providing decent living spaces for those in need.