Seeking New Mount Vernon District

Park Authority Board Member

Dear Mount Vernon District Residents,

I’ve had the privilege of meeting and appointing dedicated residents to the over 50 Board of Supervisors’ Boards, Authorities, and Commissions that serve Fairfax County. Mount Vernon residents continue to make outstanding contributions in our community and throughout Fairfax County.

Mount Vernon District’s Fairfax County Park Authority (PA) Board Representative Linwood Gorham has been one of those extraordinary individuals, volunteering thousands of hours over sixteen years in a variety of PA and other roles serving the District. Linwood’s current PA Board term expires at the end of the year, and he has asked not to be reappointed as he will be retiring.

The PA Board is the citizen governing body overseeing one of the nation's largest local park systems. Board service is a volunteer civic role balancing district representation with a countywide vision for parks and recreation. Members set policy, guide long-range planning and capital improvement programs, approve park master plans and much more, serving as a key link between their district, agency staff and other Board Members.

The Park Board has 12 members, appointed by the Board of Supervisors, one per magisterial district plus three at-large, serving staggered four-year terms under the Virginia Park Authorities Act. Officers are elected annually from within the board. Meetings are generally held twice per month, with work carried out largely through committees, supported by Park Authority staff under the Board appointed Executive Director.

If you are interested in serving as the Mount Vernon District’s Fairfax County Park Authority Board Representative, please provide your resume and cover letter with your reasons for interest in the position. You must be a Mount Vernon District resident with evening and weekend availability and a strong commitment to collaboration and communication with residents, community organizations, County staff and Board members.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov with subject line "Park Authority Board Application." The selection process will include panel interviews with a decision expected by the end of November.

For more information about the Park Authority Board, click here, and the list of qualifications are below.

Please contact my office at mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-780-7518 if you have any questions.

Respectfully yours in public service,

Dan Storck

Supervisor, Mount Vernon District

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors

Mount Vernon District Representative, Fairfax County Park Authority Qualifications Sought:

Required Qualifications:

• Residency in the Mount Vernon District
• Ability to attend regular evening board and committee meetings for a four-year term
• Comply with applicable disclosure requirements, see here.
• Availability to the community with email, phone and/or in-person
• Mount Vernon District Appointees’ Guidance and Expectations (provided upon request)

Helpful Qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest in parks, recreation, natural resource conservation, or cultural resource stewardship through professional, volunteer, or civic experience
• Familiarity with parkland and recreational priorities across the Mount Vernon District
• Experience with district civic associations, friends-of-parks groups, athletic or community organizations, or park volunteer programs
• Understanding of public-sector governance, including current or prior service on or work with boards, authorities, or commissions
• Ability to review and evaluate complex materials, including park master plans, capital improvement programs, budgets, board packages, and bond program documents
• Commitment to equitable access to parks and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages, abilities, incomes, and backgrounds
• Strong communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
• Availability to represent the board at community meetings, public hearings, and park events

Mount Vernon District Office

2511 Parkers Lane, Mount Vernon, VA 22306

703-780-7518

MTVernon@fairfaxcounty.gov | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

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