Fairfax County is mourning the loss of former Sully District Supervisor Michael R. Frey, a longtime public servant whose leadership, expertise in land use and deep commitment to community and animal welfare helped shape the county for more than two decades.
Frey, who passed away on Feb. 16, served Fairfax County for 37 years, including 24 years on the Board of Supervisors. First elected in November 1991, he became the inaugural supervisor of the newly created Sully District and served six consecutive terms, holding office until 2015.
Guiding the Sully District
Widely respected for his deep knowledge of land use, transportation and community planning, Frey played a central role in guiding the Sully District through decades of growth. He emphasized thoughtful development, responsible infrastructure investment and long-term sustainability.
“Michael Frey combined deep expertise with genuine kindness,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. "Whether he was working through complex land use issues, talking baseball, or listening to a concerned resident, he treated everyone with respect, patience, and good humor. He believed deeply in public service, in doing the work thoughtfully, and in leaving his community better than he found it. That generosity of spirit defined both his leadership and his life, and I was honored to have him not only as a colleague, but as a good friend.”
A Leading Voice
Beginning in 1992, Frey chaired the Board of Supervisors’ Development Process Committee, guiding countywide land use policies during a period of rapid expansion. He became one of the county’s leading voices on development review, zoning and community planning and represented Fairfax County on regional bodies including the Transportation Planning Board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Among his accomplishments, Frey played a key role in securing the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum in the Sully District. He championed improvements to Route 28 and the I-66 interchange, supported Fairfax County’s successful bid to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games and worked to expand parkland, preserve historic resources and strengthen youth athletic programs.
“It is difficult to put into words the impact that Michael Frey had on our community. As Sully District’s first supervisor, he helped lay the foundation for the vibrant and thriving community we know today,” Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith said. “I was fortunate to work alongside Michael when he was Sully Supervisor, and I was serving on the School Board. His commitment to transportation, parks, youth services, animal welfare and the people he served set a high standard that continues to guide our work. All of us in Sully have benefited from Michael’s dedication and he will be remembered as a leader who truly loved the community he served.”
Commitment to Animals
Frey was widely known for his lifelong commitment to animal welfare. He served on the board of the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter beginning in 2015 and worked tirelessly to ensure the shelter received the funding and support needed to care for animals of all kinds.
He championed the renovation of the West Ox Road shelter and supported the bond and construction of the Lorton Animal Shelter, investments that continue to pay dividends for the county’s animal services system. In recognition of his advocacy, the Board of Supervisors renamed the Fairfax County Animal Shelter’s West Ox Campus in his honor in 2017.
A longtime animal lover, Frey welcomed 13 adopted animals into his home over the years. Shortly before his passing, he shared with staff how proud he was of the progress the shelter had made and how honored he was to have been part of that work.
“Michael Frey exemplified thoughtful, principled public service,” County Executive Bryan Hill said. “He understood both the policy and the people behind it, and he consistently worked to strengthen county government and improve quality of life for our residents. His leadership and example will continue to guide our work.”
Frey remained active in the Centreville community after leaving office, supporting youth athletics, local history and civic organizations.
Through his decades of service, Frey helped shape the character of Fairfax County and strengthen the communities he represented. His legacy is reflected in the development standards he championed, the institutions he strengthened and the countless lives — human and animal — he touched through his leadership.
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