The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has appointed Nicole Rawlings as director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP). Her appointment is effective Monday, May 18.
Rawlings succeeds OHREP Director Michael Simms, who was appointed to the position in 2024. She brings nearly two decades of experience in Fairfax County government, including human rights, equity programs and personnel policy. She most recently served as executive director of the Fairfax County Civil Service Commission, a role she has held since 2018. In that position, she administered the county’s employee grievance process, presided over hearings and issued rulings, and provided guidance on personnel policies and procedures. She also represented the commission to the Board of Supervisors, the county executive and other stakeholders, and led training and alternative dispute resolution efforts.
Rawlings previously spent more than a decade with the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs, where she served as a human rights specialist and advanced through multiple roles of increasing responsibility. She led fair housing and employment discrimination investigations, managed federal partnerships and compliance requirements, and helped design and implement outreach and engagement strategies.
Her work included close coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other partner agencies, as well as advising the Human Rights Commission on policy, enforcement trends and legal updates.
Earlier in her career, Rawlings served as a staff attorney with AHC in Manassas, where she handled contract disputes and negotiated settlements on behalf of clients.
Rawlings earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and her law degree from the George Washington University Law School.
The mission of OHREP is to ensure equal opportunity and promote justice, diversity and inclusiveness by protecting civil rights in Fairfax County. OHREP receives and investigates complaints alleging violations of the Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance and manages the county’s Fair Housing Plan. OHREP also administers the county’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program and ensures compliance with all federal, state and county mandates granting equal access to county services, programs and employment opportunities.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has appointed Christina Peterson as director of the Department of Human Resources. Her appointment is effective Monday, May 18.
Peterson brings more than 20 years of human capital leadership experience across federal agencies. She most recently served as chief human capital officer at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where she led enterprise-wide HR strategy and operations for a nationwide workforce of thousands, overseeing hiring, workforce planning and employee relations. She also led modernization efforts that reduced hiring timelines and strengthened workforce planning and employee engagement.
Prior to her role at HUD, Peterson served as deputy director of civilian human resources for the U.S. Navy Naval Sea Systems Command, where she helped lead HR strategy and operations for a global workforce of tens of thousands and oversaw multiple HR offices. In that role, she supported large-scale recruiting, employee engagement and workforce initiatives and advised senior leadership on organizational performance and compliance.
Peterson has also held senior human resources leadership roles with the U.S. Department of Labor, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on workforce strategy, leadership development, employee and labor relations, and organizational performance.
Peterson earned a master’s degree in public administration from American University and a bachelor’s degree in English and public relations from Frostburg State University.
The Department of Human Resources supports employees through recruitment, hiring, benefits administration, employee relations and workforce development, ensuring Fairfax County can attract and retain a high-performing workforce.
The Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals has an upcoming opening for one member.
Interested candidates must apply by Friday, May 1, to the Fairfax Circuit Court, which appoints the members. Applicants should send their resume to Chief Judge Penney S. Azcarate, Fairfax Circuit Court, by email entitled “Board of Zoning Appeals Application” to kim.callahan@fairfaxcounty.govOR by first-class U.S. mail to Chief Judge Penney Azcarate, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
NOTE: The application should be sent via only one form of correspondence, whether email or U.S. mail.
The appointee for this position will complete the remainder of the term, effective through April 18, 2029. Members of the Board of Zoning Appeals are appointed for staggered five-year terms; are compensated at a bi-weekly rate of $357.69; and serve as private citizens, not as county employees. Applicants must be residents of Fairfax County.
The Board of Zoning Appeals’ powers, duties and procedures are set forth in state law, and further detailed in the county’s Zoning Ordinance. These duties include:
Hearing and deciding appeals of administrative decisions made pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance.
Hearing and deciding applications for special permits and variances as authorized by the Zoning Ordinance.
Hearing and deciding applications for interpretation of the zoning map where there is uncertainty about the location of a zoning district boundary.
For more information, contact Brent Krasner, Zoning Evaluation Division, Department of Planning and Development, at 703-324-1280, TTY 711.
Fairfax County has finalized the purchase of a property at 14554 Lee Road in Chantilly for the expansion of an Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) to an Adult Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Center (CRSC). The expanded facility will provide an alternative to psychiatric hospitalization for adults who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis and will offer treatment for those who also need safe withdrawal from substances.
This purchase will provide space to expand the existing 16-bed adult CSU and offer walk-in behavioral health services and 23-hour observation. The expansion of services will make use of existing, undeveloped building space and would comply with existing zoning uses granted for the facility.
Once opened, the CRSC will provide services to people 18 years of age and older who are not experiencing an acute or urgent medical condition. Services may be offered beginning in late 2027, contingent upon planning and construction. The existing 16-bed adult CSU will continue to operate during the construction period.
What’s Different About a CRSC
A Crisis Stabilization Unit provides short-term residential treatment. They serve as primary alternatives to inpatient psychiatric hospitalization for assessment and crisis treatment. By expanding to a Crisis Receiving Center, the facility will be available for walk-in behavioral health assessments 24/7 and will provide short-term interventions, observation and crisis stabilization services for up to 23 hours.
The CRSC is coordinated through the Northern Virginia Regional Projects Office (NVRPO), which manages and oversees regional initiatives for the Community Services Boards in Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Region 2.
Why an Expansion is Necessary
Currently, Fairfax County has two crisis stabilization units, in addition to other emergency and crisis response services. Expanding services allows people in our community to have even more access to crisis services closer to home. It will reduce the reliance on state psychiatric hospital beds and will alleviate some of the pressure on the state psychiatric bed crisis.
The expanded center will also provide Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) an opportunity to exchange custody of individuals under a Temporary Detention Order (TDO) to the center, reducing both the time that individuals spend in LEO custody and boarding in local emergency departments, returning LEOs to the community more expeditiously and freeing up emergency departments to respond to more acute medical emergencies.
More About Crisis Services
Crisis services are designed to provide immediate support to individuals experiencing a behavioral health or substance use emergency. Learn more about Fairfax County’s CSB crisis resources.
If you need support, contact the CSB’s Entry, Assessment and Referral Unit at 703-383-8500 TTY 771, Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For emergency behavioral health or substance use issues, walk-in services are available 24/7 at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health or call 703-573-5679 TTY 711.
Megan Challender was elected vice chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board during the board’s reorganization on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Challender was appointed to the board by the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a three-year term that began Jan. 1.
In each county and city in Virginia, a three-member electoral board is responsible for the proper and orderly conduct of all elections held in the locality. The other members of the Fairfax County Electoral Board are Kevin Pinkney, secretary, and Katherine K. Hanley, chair.
Challender is the legal director of a nonprofit law firm in Washington, D.C., that provides legal services to survivors of crime. Throughout her career and volunteer work, she has focused on increasing access to justice for individuals who could not otherwise afford legal representation, as well as promoting voter access and participation. She is committed to ensuring that every eligible citizen can cast a ballot and have it fairly counted.
Challender holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Kansas State University, a law degree from the University of the District of Columbia and a Master of Laws in advocacy from Georgetown University Law Center. She first moved to Fairfax County 20 years ago and currently lives in the Mount Vernon District with her family.
For more information, contact the Office of Elections, 703-222-0776, TTY 711.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors during a special meeting on Oct. 7 approved an extension for residents to pay their personal property tax, commonly known as car tax. The board acted in response to the ongoing federal shutdown.
With the extended deadline, all residents have until Nov. 5 to pay their personal property tax without late fees or penalties. Residents can pay their car tax online, by using drop boxes, by phone or in person at the Fairfax County Government Center.
For more information, contact the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234 (English and Español), TTY 711, weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov.
A new Fairfax County Circuit Court judge, Dipti Pidikiti-Smith, will receive her official commission on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. The ceremony will be held in courtroom 5J at the Fairfax County Courthouse, 4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax. The public is invited to attend the investiture ceremony.
Prior to joining the bench, Judge Pidikiti-Smith served as a Judge on the Fairfax County General District Court, served as a Substitute Judge, and spent 14 years at Legal Services of Northern Virginia, where she concluded her tenure as the deputy director of advocacy. She is a recipient of several awards including being named a 2022 Fellow of the Virginia Law Foundation, the 2018 Virginia Legal Aid Award presented by the Virginia State Bar, and the 2018 Up & Coming Leader in the Law presented by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.
Judge Pidikiti-Smith has been active in both the legal and local communities, serving on committees and boards. These include the Fairfax County Local Access to Justice Committee and the Fairfax Courthouse Self-Help Resource Center Committee. She also served on the Fairfax County Community Action Advisory Board and the Fairfax County Fair Housing Task Force.
Judge Pidikiti-Smith served as a judicial law clerk at the District of Columbia Superior Court for Judge Russell Canan and Judge Stephanie Duncan-Peters. She is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law and Temple University with a degree in Biology.
For more information or reasonable ADA accommodations, contact Elanna Weinstein, Fairfax County Circuit Court, at 703-246-4191, TTY 711.
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:
Megan Challender was elected vice chair of the Fairfax County Electoral Board during the board’s reorganization on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Challender was appointed to the board by the Fairfax County Circuit Court for a three-year term that began Jan. 1.
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).