JUNE 2025 SFCC Newsletter |
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Celebrating Community & Leadership
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Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair |
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What an evening!
The 2025 Achievement Honors Gala was more than just an event—it was a true celebration of the spirit, generosity, and resilience that define South Fairfax. To see so many leaders, colleagues, and friends gathered under the historic roof of Gunston Hall reminded me why this community is so special.
We honored individuals whose stories inspire us—Dr. Swathi Reddy, Elena Jordon, and Ron Kowalski—not just for what they do, but for how they lead with heart, integrity, and unwavering commitment to others. Their contributions make South Fairfax stronger, kinder, and more connected.
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Big thanks to Nick Firth, Vice Chair of the Lorton Visioning Task Force, for sharing a very insightful update on the long-term vision for the Lorton community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to all who continue to support the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. Your presence, your partnership, and your passion are what make nights like this possible—and unforgettable.
With deep gratitude, |
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The elegant setting of Gunston Hall provided the perfect backdrop to honor individuals who exemplify innovation, service, and dedication to making South Fairfax a thriving place to live and work.
The 2025 Achievement Honors Gala brought together business leaders, government officials, and members of the vibrant South Fairfax community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and community pride. |
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2025 Member to Watch Dr. Swathi Reddy All Smiles Orthodontics with Casey Whitmarsh, SFCC Chair and Brian Gottlieb, Vice Chair |
2025 Community Impact Honoree Ron Kowalski Ron K Real Estate Group, Casey Whitmarsh and Tim Rizer
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2025 Community Impact Honoree Elena Jordon
Co-Founder of The Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation |
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Elena Jordon and SFCC Executive Director Carla Olivo |
Nick Firth, Lorton Visioning Task Force |
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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The inaugural SFCC Student Scholarships were awarded to five Fairfax County graduating high school students. Gavin Flynn, from South County High School, will be continuing his academic journey at Northern Virginia Community College, where he plans to major in Computer Science and minor in Theatre Arts.
Christine Le is a proud IBCP Diploma candidate and four-year All A Honor Roll student at Mount Vernon High School.
She plans to begin her journey in nursing at Northern Virginia Community College, with the goal of transferring to the University of Virginia. Her ultimate dream is to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice, specializing in dermatology as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Ella Ridgway, a graduating senior from Lake Braddock Secondary School, will be attending Boston College this fall where she plans to study Mathematics and Political Science. She has achieved a perfect SAT and ACT score, is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.
Zachary Allen of South County High School has found his calling in the field of construction, where he combines his love for working with his hands, solving problems, and building things that last. Zachary will be continuing his education at Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville Kentucky. His dream is to one day run his own business and mentor others. For Zachary, construction isn’t just a job—it’s a way to create lasting impact, provide for his loved ones, and shape the world around him, one project at a time.
Aidan Barker from West Springfield High School has distinguished himself as a dedicated student in the Electrical Construction and Engineering Program at the Edison Academy, earning Student of the Quarter honors in both Level 1 and Level 2, A/B Honor Roll, and recognition in the National Technical Honor Society. His goal is to become a master electrician, start his own business, and train others in the trade—a vision grounded in both leadership and service.
Congratulations to all!
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SFCC Vice Chair Brian Gottlieb, Student Scholarship winner Gavin Flynn, Dr. Swathi Reddy |
Student Scholarship winner Christine Le and American Legion Officer Chris Warner
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Special thanks to SFCC Vice Chair and Berkshire Hathaway Realtor Brian Gottlieb who spearheaded the Chamber's efforts to bring our inaugural Student Scholarships to fruition.
And kudos to the Scholarship Selection Committee who thoughtfully reviewed each application.
The Chamber would like to thank:
• Annie Kyle from Trademasters
• Elena Jordon from the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation
• Christian Whitmarsh, State Farm
• Chris Warner, American Legion Post 162
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We hope you can join us and several participating member businesses at Supervisor Dan Storck's Summer Palooza on Saturday June 7. |
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Keep your brand awareness going all summer long on social media by sending your news, events and specials to our Executive Director Carla Olivo - SFCCExecDirector@gmail.com and uploading your events to the Chamber Community calendar. |
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Member input is essential to the growth and success of our Chamber. Please take a few minutes to complete our Chamber Member Survey and share your thoughts. Your insights will help us enhance our offerings, create better experiences, and better serve your needs. |
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June 4 South County High School Class of 2025 Graduation, Eagle Bank Arena, 7p
- June 7 Summer Palooza, 2511 Parkers Lane, 11a-3p
- June 14 Flag Day - Flag Retirement Ceremony, American Legion Post 162, 7p
- June 15 Father's Day
- June 19 SFCC Board Meeting (virtual) 9a
- June 28 Workhouse Fireworks, 4p- 9:30p, 9518 Workhouse Way
For more event listings, go to: www.southfairfaxchamber.org.
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