FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Volunteer Fairfax announces New Chief Executive Officer
(June 5, 2023 – Fairfax, Virginia) – The Volunteer Fairfax (VF) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Williamson as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The board also thanks Joe Cattaneo, VF interim CEO, for his service and leading the organization through the transition period.
As incoming CEO, Williamson will fulfill all chief executive responsibilities in collaboration with VF staff as well as VF Board and Committees. Williamson will join VF on June 26, 2023, and immediately commence work to fulfill the needs of the organization, Fairfax County, nonprofit and corporate partners, donors, funders and volunteers.
Williamson is a Fairfax native with deep ties in the community and a history of volunteerism. She is a highly credentialed and educated leader with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management. Until recently, Williamson served as Vice President for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Washington D.C.’s largest Chamber with membership comprised of businesses, nonprofits, local government, and academic institutions. She led workforce and member engagement efforts for the Chamber and their Foundation while developing relationships with stakeholders many of whom are VF corporate partners and sponsors as well as the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Previously, Williamson held leadership roles at various associations including the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses; National Court Reporters Association; Electronic Retailing Association; National Risk Retention Association; and Northern Virginia Technology Council.
”I am excited to join the staff of Volunteer Fairfax as their next CEO. As a multi-generational native of Fairfax, I am delighted to continue to serve my community and to help lead the organization into their next phase of growth,” said Williamson.
Williamson holds a master’s in business administration and a master’s in nonprofit and association management from the University of Maryland Global Campus as well as a bachelor’s in human communication from James Madison University. She serves on the board of regents for the Northeast Institute, Institute for Organizational Management at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is a past chair of the Certified Association Executive professional conduct committee at the American Society of Association Executives.
“Volunteer Fairfax board and staff are energized to have Jennifer lead the organization as VF commences its 50th year of service. Jennifer will spearhead a strategic plan and vision for the future that renews VF’s commitment to community-based volunteerism through inclusive and high-impact programs across Fairfax County and Greater Washington D.C.,” said VJ Bala, President of the Board of Directors.
Volunteer Fairfax mobilizes people and resources to meet regional community needs through a variety of programs, special events, and services. Through these activities, Volunteer Fairfax strengthens the capacity of local nonprofits, connects for-profit resources to community need, matches volunteers to meaningful service, supports government programs, and hosts family-friendly volunteer opportunities. For nearly 50 years, Volunteer Fairfax has consistently amplified community impact by Leading, Connecting and Mobilizing through volunteerism.
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