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Fairfax County received four Virginia Association of Counties 2025 Achievement Awards, recognizing its leading role in advancing community well-being through innovation, collaboration and impact. 

The four awarded programs were among 57 initiatives from counties across the state honored by VACo.

“These awards show the power of innovation and partnership in driving results for our community,” County Executive Bryan Hill said. “Our staff, partners and the Board of Supervisors have worked together to deliver measurable impact, advancing the goals of our Countywide Strategic Plan and meeting the needs of residents and businesses. This recognition affirms our momentum and positions Fairfax County as a model for communities nationwide.”

Fairfax County was recognized for the following programs, in categories that span health and human services, economic development, and regional collaboration.

Accelerate Breakfast Series

Fairfax County launched the Accelerate Breakfast Series in 2024 to nurture early-stage technology companies and foster regional economic competitiveness. The program is a collaboration between Fairfax County, Arlington County, Prince William County and George Mason University, connecting promising early-stage technology companies – typically seeking seed-stage capital from $500,000 to $2 million – with investors in the greater Washington D.C. area.

Participating startups have since raised nearly $20 million in funding. The program targets engagement with founders historically underserved by early-stage investment, and participants receive professional pitch coaching and valuable networking at no cost.  (Program category: Regional Collaboration)

Fair Ridge Shelter

The county transformed a vacant extended stay hotel into the Fair Ridge Shelter, creating approximately 80 emergency housing units for families experiencing homelessness in just eight months. This reuse of existing infrastructure significantly expanded capacity with efficiency. Located near transit, grocery stores and schools, the new shelter helps families remain connected to essential services as they work toward permanent housing. Fueled by $14.5 million in non-local funding and cross-agency coordination, the shelter project stands out for its speed, impact and cost-efficiency.  (Program category: Health and Human Services)

Fire EMS Pharmacy Program

In 2024, Fairfax County launched a centralized, licensed Fire and EMS Pharmacy to modernize how emergency medications are stored, tracked and distributed. The first of its kind in Northern Virginia, the pharmacy uses a hub-and-spoke model anchored at Public Safety Headquarters and is supported by 11 strategically located fire stations that serve as spokes for operational field units.

These sites enable rapid, decentralized access to restock medications and supplies, ensuring coverage for more than 400 square miles and one of Virginia’s largest Fire and EMS agencies. By centralizing procurement and optimizing inventory management, the program has significantly reduced medication waste and leveraged bulk purchasing power—yielding measurable cost savings for the agency while enhancing operational efficiency. The pharmacy also strengthens regional coordination through public health and emergency response partnerships. (Program category: Regional Collaboration)

Talent Up Fairfax Fund

The Talent Up Fairfax Fund connects local businesses with skilled talent. Launched in late 2023, the program offers employers a free, low-risk way to onboard new hires through paid work-based learning, modernizing their hiring strategies and building a stronger workforce. By funding internships in high-demand fields, Talent Up mitigates wage barriers for businesses while providing jobseekers with valuable skills and career opportunities.

The program successfully engaged 189 employers and placed 193 internships with a median wage of $25 per hour, demonstrating its significant impact.With its focus on work-based learning and dedicated business support, Talent Up Fairfax is reducing barriers and setting out a model for public workforce innovation. (Program category: Community Development, Economic Development and Land Use)

More Information

The VACo Achievement Awards, in its 23rd year, recognize local government programs that demonstrate collaboration, efficiency and positive community outcomes. The association received 155 submissions from member counties across the state.

“Every year we receive a record number of submissions. The awards program grows because Fairfax County and others across the state continue to serve their communities well,” VACo Executive Director Dean Lynch said. “These awards reflect their innovative work. Congratulations to Fairfax County staff and leadership for their continued hard work and good decision making.”

Fairfax County recently ranked No. 2 in the 2025 Digital Counties Survey by The Center for Digital Government, in partnership with the National Association of Counties. The survey identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services, encourage open data, collaboration and shared services, enhance cybersecurity and contribute to disaster recovery efforts.

Fairfax County has often been ranked in the top 10 as a technical innovator over the last 22 years – and in the top five for 11 consecutive years (earning first place four times).

“I’m proud to lead our nationally recognized organization tackling innovation, efficiencies, security and AI across the county,” said County Executive Bryan Hill. “Fairfax County has been an IT leader for decades and we continue to innovate and meet the demands of today’s opportunities and challenges in the IT space.”

This year’s ranking celebrated several achievements, including

• Cybersecurity
• Business Process Automation
• AI, Generative AI and Machine Learning
• Expanding Channels for Outreach
• Improved Customer and Staff Experiences
• Inclusive Community Engagement
• Digital Equity

Fairfax County's Department of Information Technology (DIT) is driving innovation in IT services and customer engagement with departmental partners, aligning with the county's Strategic Plan to enhance accessibility, responsiveness and digital inclusivity. These efforts focus on expanding self-service options, strengthening community involvement, broadening digital outreach and ensuring transparent governance.

For example, to streamline service delivery, DIT provides bi-lingual AI-powered chatbots, a Live Assistant, automated phone systems, mobile apps, and online help resources, empowering residents to resolve issues efficiently. Social media plays a pivotal role in digital outreach, with dedicated Spanish and Korean channels led by the Office of Public Affairs. Fairfax County has also invested in a comprehensive multichannel engagement strategy, focusing on inclusive community involvement, while also tackling digital equity issues.

DIT also made significant strides in cyber risk management, fortifying its enterprise accounts with a robust suite of security measures, such as enhanced password controls.

Learn about key IT initiatives within Fairfax County:

• FY26 IT Plan

IT success aligns with the Countywide Strategic Plan, most notably the Effective and Efficient Government community outcome area.

Jennifer Van Ee has been appointed director of the Office of Government Relations, effective July 26. She succeeds Claudia Arko, who served Fairfax County with distinction until her unexpected passing earlier this year.

Van Ee brings more than a decade of experience in legislative strategy, public policy and intergovernmental affairs to her new role. Most recently, she served as acting legislative director for Fairfax County, where she led federal and state advocacy efforts in coordination with the Board of Supervisors and county leadership. In this role, she developed policy, formulated political strategies and engaged with elected officials to advance county priorities. She also managed a team overseeing government relations and policy development.

Previously, Van Ee served as deputy legislative director, coordinating legislative strategy, monitoring state and federal policy, and representing the county’s interests to elected bodies. Her work contributed to the successful advancement of several Board-supported initiatives and the development of key intergovernmental relationships.

Earlier in her career, Van Ee held positions with Arlington County's Department of Human Services, where she worked on policy implementation, regulatory compliance and interagency collaboration. She also supported adoption services, training and technical assistance programs, and federal grant initiatives in earlier roles with nonprofits and contractors serving public-sector clients.

The Office of Government Relations represents Fairfax County before the Virginia General Assembly, the U.S. Congress and regional bodies, advocating for policy decisions that support the county's legislative priorities.

Van Ee holds a master's degree in social policy from the University of Chicago and a bachelor's degree in political science and history from Trinity Christian College.

For more information about Fairfax County's positions and legislative advocacy on behalf of the county and its residents visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/legislation.

In 2015, the National Association of Counties, Council of State Governments and the American Psychiatric Association launched the Stepping Up initiative, dedicated to reducing the overincarceration of people with mental illness and improving responses to behavioral health needs in jails and communities.

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors adopted a Stepping Up resolution in 2015, and Fairfax was designated a Stepping Up Innovator County in 2019, one of approximately only 50 in the country. Locally, we have implemented Stepping Up as Diversion First. 

Fairfax County was featured in the Stepping Up 10-year celebration at the National Association of Counties' Annual Conference. NACo's video highlights the county's transformation and tremendous cross-system collaboration since Stepping up was launched.

Michelle M. Kaminsky will receive her official commission as a Fairfax Circuit Court judge during an investiture ceremony on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 4 p.m. The ceremony will take place in Courtroom 5J at the Fairfax County Courthouse, located at 4110 Chain Bridge Road in Fairfax. The event is open to the public.

The Hon. Kathy K.L. Tran of the Virginia House of Delegates will present Judge Kaminsky with her commission. The Hon. David S. Schell (Ret.), formerly of the Fairfax Circuit Court, will ceremonially administer the oath of office.

Judge Kaminsky joined the Circuit Court in April and previously focused her legal practice on domestic relations. She was a partner at ShounBach and, before that, a partner and co-owner of Hite Kaminsky Family Law & Mediation PLLC, which she co-founded with Kelly S. Hite. She also worked as an associate at the Law Offices of Kelly S. Hite PLLC. Judge Kaminsky began her legal career as a law clerk for Judge Schell.

Before entering the legal field, Judge Kaminsky worked as a high school English teacher and softball coach.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, with honors, from the University of Arizona and her Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University of America.

For more information or to request reasonable ADA accommodations, contact Elanna Weinstein at the Fairfax Circuit Court at 703-246-4191 (TTY 711).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

In an effort to keep active construction zones safe, the county is lowering the speed limit along a stretch of Fairfax County Parkway between I-66 and Route 123 to 45 mph and installing work zone speed cameras. Beginning in mid-July, drivers caught speeding by the new cameras will be fined up to $100. 

Warning Period Begins June 15; Fines Begin July 15
On Friday, May 16, new signs will be unveiled along the segment of the parkway between I-66 and Route 123 that lowers the speed limit in the work zone to 45 mph. As part of this project, speed cameras will also be installed along a parkway stretch between Popes Head Road and Burke Center Parkway. 

The speed camera initiative in this zone will begin with a 30-day notice period, providing motorists with time to familiarize themselves with the regulations. Warning citations will begin being issued on Sunday, June 15, then beginning on Tuesday, July 15, violators will be subject to fines up to $100. The citations, which will be sent via mail, underscore the seriousness of ensuring drivers obey laws tied to work zone safety. 

Live enforcement in this area will take place for 60 days but may be extended as construction continues should the pilot prove successful. During the enforcement period, fines will mirror what is currently in place with the county’s school zone speed cameras:

• $50 for 10-14 mph over limit.
• $75 for 15-19 mph over limit.
• $100 for 20 mph or more over limit.

About the Speed Camera Program
The goal of the Speed Camera Program is to change the behavior of drivers and make our roads safer. Speed cameras in work zones will improve the safety of our roads by protecting construction personnel and slowing down motorists, especially around these congested and vulnerable locations.

Learn more.

Government Technology magazine recently named Michael Dent, the county's chief information security officer, as one of its top 25 "Doers, Dreamers and Drivers" nationwide. 

As the profile notes, "Dent has worked to keep Fairfax County safe from cyber attacks for more than two decades. As chief information security officer since 2002, Dent has continually focused on endpoint protection, defending critical infrastructure, educating county leaders and employees, and collaborating with other jurisdictions."

Join the Board of Supervisors, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association and the Fairfax 250th Commission as they kick off the Nation’s Semiquincentennial Celebrations in Fairfax County. Sunday, May 4, is the 250th anniversary of the day George Washington departed his Mount Vernon home to attend the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, where he was ultimately appointed commander in chief of the newly created Continental Army. For the duration of the war, he only briefly returned to his estate in September 1781, prior to the Yorktown campaign and ultimate victory. 

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey Mckay and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, along with Mount Vernon President and CEO Doug Bradburn, will be recognizing this moment as "George Washington" himself shares remarks on May 4 at 1:30 p.m. as part of the Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon. Following the remarks, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the Patriots Path, a brand-new installation of a military encampment for guests to visit year-round. George Washington, along with musicians and reenactors, will then march out the front gates to “head to Philadelphia.”

This rich visual display is befitting the ceremonial kick off of the Fairfax 250th Celebrations, which will include hundreds of events throughout the county over the next two years.

Stay up-to-date on Fairfax 250th Celebrations by subscribing for email updates.

Susan J. Stoney will be presented with her official commission as a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge on Friday, April 11, at 4 p.m. at the Fairfax County Courthouse, Courtroom 5J, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax.  The public is invited to attend the investiture ceremony.

The Hon. Richard C. (Rip) Sullivan of the Virginia House of Delegates will present Stoney with her official commission, and Justice Thomas P. Mann of the Supreme Court of Virginia will ceremoniously administer his oath.

Prior to joining the Circuit Court in January, Stoney served as a judge for the Fairfax County General District Court for more than eight years. She began her legal career as a law clerk to the Hon. James W. Benton, Jr. (ret.) of the Virginia Court of Appeals. Following her clerkship, she spent two decades working as a legal aid attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia, representing low-income, elderly and disabled Virginians. From 2010 until she took the bench, she was the deputy director of Legal Services of Northern Virginia.  

Stoney earned her Bachelor of Arts, with honors, from the University of Virginia, and her Juris Doctor from the William & Mary Law School.

For more information or reasonable ADA accommodations, contact Kim Callahan, Fairfax County Circuit Court, at 703-246-4166, TTY 711.

Matt Harrison has been appointed director of the Department of Information Technology (DIT), effective Monday, April 21. Harrison will succeed Greg Scott, who is retiring after decades of service to Fairfax County.

Harrison brings more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership to his new role. Most recently, he served as director of information technology for Stafford County, where he successfully transformed IT strategic, governance, service delivery and customer service practices. Harrison led successful updates to critical IT operations, including the rollout of modernized Wi-Fi services across government and public safety locations, infrastructure upgrades and the deployment of advanced Microsoft applications and cloud services. These efforts have improved organizational efficiency and enhanced cybersecurity, infrastructure, operations and applications capabilities.

Harrison previously served as director of software engineering at GEICO Technology Solutions, where he led several cross-functional teams focused on deploying innovative digital solutions for internal and external customers. These solutions enabled significant improvements to web and mobile self-service capabilities by harnessing the power of data, AI and machine learning. His work in driving digital product rollouts, refining agile methodologies and streamlining customer service operations helped transform the way GEICO interacted with customers.

The Department of Information Technology is responsible for planning, design and implementation of information technology and communications systems for Fairfax County, including but not limited to designing, deploying and administering information systems, applications, network infrastructure, telephony, mobile communications and devices, and websites and data storage, among other information technology roles.

As director, Harrison will oversee cybersecurity, network infrastructure and the delivery of technology services that support county departments and residents. His work will support Fairfax County’s commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing efficiency and ensuring that technology investments align with strategic objectives.

Harrison holds a master’s in public administration from American University and earned his bachelor’s degree at St. Bonaventure.

For more information about Fairfax County’s Department of Information Technology, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/informationtechnology/.