Congratulations to Fairfax, VA Deputy Director of Planning & Zoning Kelly O’Brien (MCRP ’09) for her Women of Influence Award: Celebrating Women Making a Difference in the City!
Kelly O’Brien, a dedicated city resident and community member for 13 years, holds key leadership positions that underscore her commitment. She is vice chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and an executive board member for the Old Town Fairfax Business Association. Her involvement extends to the Asian Festival on Main, where she is a part of the leadership team, orchestrating an event that showcases Asian culture through food, arts & crafts, education, and performances. Her dedication to education is evident in her roles as a mentor at Daniels Run Elementary for four years and as the School Supplies Coordinator and Class Parent at Mosaic Elementary. Her volunteer work in various official and unofficial capacities demonstrates her active community engagement.
Her professional journey, spanning seven years as a planner for the City of Fairfax and five years for the Town of Vienna, currently the deputy director of planning and Zoning for the Town of Vienna, is a testament to her expertise. She leverages this knowledge to benefit the community through a Facebook group she initiated in January 2023, Fairfax City 411. The group serves as a platform to keep the community informed, providing easy-to-understand summaries of upcoming meeting agendas for the City Council, Planning Commission, School Board, and other relevant topics. This initiative fosters dialogue and awareness among community members, a testament to Kelly’s commitment to transparency and community engagement.