PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSIONS PRESENT THE GORDON N. DIXON AWARD TO JOHN W. McCARTHY, III
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 3, 2017
Contact:
Connie Long
VAPDC Administrator
757-412-2664
Richmond, VA - The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions (VAPDC) presented John W. McCarthy, III, with the Gordon N. Dixon Award at the Association's Annual Awards Dinner in Richmond last night.
"John has earned the trust and respect of colleagues within and outside the Rappahannock-Rapidan region and is a go-to figure for developing creative solutions to regional issues including land preservation and natural resource conservation, housing and homelessness programs, and legislative issues, among others," said Patrick L. Mauney, Executive Director, Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission.
McCarthy was born and raised in Virginia and served for more than 25 years as the County Administrator for Rappahannock County dedicating his life and work to the Rappahannock-Rapidan region. McCarthy's engagement in regional matters has taken many forms. He served as Rappahannock County's representative to the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission for many years and has played leadership roles on the boards of the Fauquier Hospital and Health System and the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation. McCarthy has spent his career in public service educating citizens locally about regional matters and encouraging citizens to become involved. He is a consensus builder and a believer of bringing voices together for the benefit of the Rappahannock-Rapidan region.
McCarthy exemplifies the values of the Gordon N. Dixon Award by creating value for his regional community providing leadership and making outstanding contributions to promote the concept of regionalism in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Planning District Commissions were established by the General Assembly in 1969. There are 21 PDCs and regional Commissions in Virginia made up of elected official and citizens appointed by local government. The purpose of the Planning District Commissions is to encourage and facilitate regional solutions to problems of area-wide significance. This is done by promoting the efficient development of the physical, social, and economic policies of all districts by assisting local governments to plan for the future. The PDCs of Virginia have joined together to create the Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions to share best practices, and further regionalism across the commonwealth. For information about VAPDC visit the website at www.vapdc.org.
