The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations, along with the Citizen of the Year  co-sponsor SAIC, hosted the 62st annual Fairfax County Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet held at the Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner hotel. The Federation and SAIC were honored to recognize Walter Alcorn as the 2011 Citizen of the Year because of his unwavering dedication and guidance as Chairman of the Planning Commission’s Tysons Corner Committee, leading the way for the Tysons Corner area to redevelop into a world-class urban center.

Federation President Tania Hossain acted as Master of Ceremonies, while SAIC Community Relations Vice President Doug Koelemay welcomed the banquet guests. A copy of the banquet program is available for review.

Jeremy Mayer, Director, Public Policy Program, George Mason University, was the keynote speaker.

In addition to the Citizen of the Year Award, the Federation presented Citations of Merit to Ellie Ashford because of her intense passion to keep the Annandale-area community informed, and as the dedicated force behind a well-recognized, locally-driven citizen journalism initiative; Cora Foley because of her advocacy and passion on behalf of the health and well-being of older adults in the Burke-West Springfield area and recognizing her selfless commitment in bringing her vision to fruition; and Terry Maynard because as a principal spokesperson on Reston-area redevelopment he has become a well-known researcher on vital development and transportation issues that, while focused on the Reston community, have broad applicability to Fairfax County. 

The Federation also presented a Special Gratitude Award to Suzanne Harsel for her extensive record of service on the Planning Commission representing Braddock District, as well as her exemplary commitment to her community and the residents of Fairfax County.

Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell sent certificates to Citizen of the Year Walter Alcorn, Citation of Merit recipients Ellie Ashford, Cora Foley, and Terry Maynard, and Special Gratitude Award recipient Suzanne Harsel in recognition of the honors they had received tonight.

The pictures below are an edited subset of the complete collection, raw and unlabeled, which is also available on our website.

All photographs taken by Steve and Sharon Okrend, (C) 2012 Fairfax Federation, page date 8 August 2012