Pennino, Martha, 1918-2004

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, in 1918, Martha Pennino was called the Mother of Fairfax for her long service to the county. She was one of the longest-serving members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, spending 24 years on the board. She was first elected in November 1967, representing what was then the Centreville District. She served as vice chairman for a total of 17 years. In 1985, Pennino won the Tom Bradley Regional Leadership Award. In giving her this honor, the National Association of Regional Councils cited her efforts in developing the first energy policy for a metropolitan area, the first area car pool program, and a fair share housing program. In 1986, Washingtonian magazine named her Washingtonian of the Year. Prior to joining the board, Pennino was elected to three terms on the Vienna Town Council, serving as vice mayor during one of those terms. Additionally, Pennino took a leadership role in developing the planned community of Reston, as well as embracing low-cost housing adjacent to her office.

From the description of Martha Pennino papers, 1960-2005. (George Mason University). WorldCat record id: 388828015

Born in Roanoke, Virginia, Martha Pennino (1918-2004) was called the Mother of Fairfax for her long service to the county. She was one of the longest-serving members of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, spending 24 years on the board. She was first elected in November 1967, representing what was then the Centreville District. She served as vice chairman for a total of 17 years.

In 1985, Pennino won the Tom Bradley Regional Leadership Award. In giving her this honor, the National Association of Regional Councils cited her efforts in developing the first energy policy for a metropolitan area, the first area car pool program, and a fair share housing program. In 1986, Washingtonian magazine named her Washingtonian of the Year. Prior to joining the board, Pennino was elected to three terms on the Vienna Town Council, serving as vice mayor during one of those terms. Additionally, Pennino took a leadership role in developing the planned community of Reston, as well as embracing low-cost housing adjacent to her office.

From the guide to the Martha Pennino papers, 1960-2005, (George Mason University. Special Collections and Archives.)