73rd Fairfax County Citizen of the Year Awards Luncheon
About this Event
Celebrating Extraordinary Service to Fairfax County
Join the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations for its 73rd Annual Citizen of the Year Awards Luncheon on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Springfield Golf & Country Club.
For more than seven decades, the Federation's Citizen of the Year Awards have recognized individuals whose dedication, volunteerism, leadership, and service have strengthened our communities and improved the quality of life throughout Fairfax County.
This year's luncheon is especially meaningful. As the Federation transitions its annual awards celebration from the spring to the fall, we will recognize the outstanding recipients of both the 2025 and 2026 awards at one special gathering.
We invite community leaders, residents, civic organizations, elected officials, businesses, and friends of the honorees to join us in celebrating these extraordinary individuals.
Honoring Our 2025 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year
- Jim Hart
Citations of Merit
- Lauren Crum
- Shelley Deutch
Gerry Connolly Special Gratitude Award
- The Honorable Ken Plum
Honoring Our 2026 Award Recipients
Citizen of the Year
- Daniel Palenski
Citations of Merit
- Tilly Blanding
- Debbie Kilpatrick
- Matt Bell
Gerry Connolly Special Gratitude Awards
- Carol A. Hawn
- Virginia Diamond
- The Honorable Dick Saslaw
About the Awards
Citizen of the Year: Recognizes Fairfax County residents whose exceptional voluntary contributions of time and talent have resulted in significant accomplishments or meaningfully enhanced the quality of life in our community.
Citation of Merit: Honors individuals whose dedicated service and contributions deserve special recognition for their positive impact on Fairfax County.
Gerry Connolly Special Gratitude Award: Recognizes extraordinary public and community service, including contributions by elected officials, public employees, and other individuals whose leadership has made a lasting difference.
Named in honor of the late Congressman Gerry Connolly, a former Federation president who also served as Providence District Supervisor and Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, this award celebrates a legacy of public service and dedication to Fairfax County.
Event Details
Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Time: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Location: Springfield Golf & Country Club, Springfield, Virginia
Hosted by: Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations
Guests will enjoy an afternoon of community recognition, fellowship, and celebration as we honor those who have given so much to Fairfax County.
Sponsorship and Advertising Opportunities
Businesses, organizations, civic associations, and community partners are invited to support this longstanding Fairfax County tradition.
Sponsorship opportunities include table sponsorships and advertisements in the official awards program.
Program Advertising
- Half-page advertisement: $250
- Full-page advertisement: $500
- Inside-cover advertisement: $1,000
- Back-cover advertisement: $1,500
Table Sponsorship: $1,000 for a table of eight guests.
For sponsorship information and opportunities, visit:
https://bit.ly/FederationCOYsponsor
About the Fairfax County Federation
Founded in 1940, the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations is a countywide, nonprofit, nonpartisan, volunteer organization representing the interests of homeowners, civic, and condominium associations throughout Fairfax County.
Through advocacy, community engagement, public policy work, and recognition of exceptional civic leadership, the Federation has served Fairfax County residents for more than 85 years.
Learn more at https://www.fairfaxfederation.org.
We look forward to celebrating the remarkable people whose service makes Fairfax County a stronger, more connected community.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 71.21 to USD 1000.00
