Photo courtesy of NVRC
Craig T. Fifer
A former City of Alexandria employee has been unanimously appointed as executive director of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), the group announced Wednesday.
Craig T. Fifer, a former director of communications and public information for Alexandria for 18 years, was appointed executive director of the NVRC Tuesday at a special meeting. He will succeed Robert W. Lazaro Jr., who will retire from NVRC on Aug. 31.
Alexandria City Councilman John T. Chapman is the immediate past chair of NVRC.
The Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) is a regional council of 13 member local governments in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington DC. According to Virginia's Regional Cooperation Act, NVRC is a political subdivision (a government agency) within the Commonwealth.
"We are thrilled that Craig will be joining NVRC in this critical regional role," said NVRC Chair Matt de Ferranti. "Craig brings more than 30 years of public service expertise, including extensive experience in local and state government and a deep understanding of what makes Northern Virginia unique. We are confident he will continue NVRC’s success as a regional leader and facilitator.”
Fifer’s previous service includes director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Governor of Virginia, and Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.
"I am excited to join NVRC’s dedicated local officials, top-notch staff, and diverse partners throughout the region,” said Fifer. “I look forward to building on the incredible work Bob Lazaro has done to strengthen regional collaboration and problem-solving.”
Lazaro first joined NVRC in 2014 as director of Regional Energy and Sustainability Policy and became executive director in 2017. His tenure is credited with stabilizing the organization’s finances, creating its first rainy day fund, and investing in personnel and technology to improve operations. Prior to joining NVRC, Lazaro’s decades of public service included four terms as mayor of Purcellville, Va.
“Bob’s tremendous leadership has been the foundation of NVRC’s ability to provide outstanding value to the local governments and the people of Northern Virginia,” said de Ferranti. “He is leaving us more effective, resilient, and respected than when he arrived, and we wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement.”
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve our localities and the dedicated staff and elected officials who lead them,” said Lazaro. “Local government has been my passion since the beginning of my career, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve for so many years.”
