During its Oct. 22 regular meeting, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors presented Peter F. Murphy, former Planning Commission chairman (1989-2023) and commissioner (1982 current term expiring Dec. 2026), with a resolution to honor and recognize him for his decades of service. He previously served two terms as Vice Chairman and three years as Commission Secretary. Commissioner Murphy represents the Springfield district.
“Simply put, I don't think that we would be the county we are today without Pete’s leadership,” Supervisor Pat Herrity representing the Springfield district said.
The board thanked and commended Murphy for his years of exemplary leadership, visionary service, and contributions to the county's planning and growth. Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay and Herrity, who requested the resolution and read it aloud, signed the board's resolution on behalf of all county residents.
According to the resolution under Murphy’s leadership, Fairfax County went from suburbia to a thriving economic hub, allowing residents to shape the community's future. Murphy has done so for 42 years of dedicated public service in Fairfax County with a commitment of unfailing service to the county’s interest and its residents.
Herrity praised Murphy’s leadership during discussion. “He's been a leader in forming land use policies and Fairfax County, not just in the Springfield district in cases like Fairfax Corner, Fair Lakes, but also county-wide cases like the Tysons Plan,” Herrity said. He discussed Murphy's extensive understanding of the planning process and Fairfax County's foundation and how he contributed to how the commission operated, conducted business, and made decisions.
“His steady leadership is one of the critical elements that enabled our development success, " Herrity said.
Supervisor Walter Alcorn, representing the Hunter Mill district, praised Murphy’s collegiality and collaborative leadership. Alcorn explained that Murphy's dedication, humor, and service on various committees earned him respect from county staff, the public, and other commissioners. Alcorn emphasized that Murphy had the ability not to take himself too seriously, “even during long and continuous meetings." Murphy "played a key role in Celebrate Fairfax! Festival and chairmanship of the Telecommunications Task Force.”
Alcorn said in all the years Murphy served, he demonstrated an unfailing commitment to the county, its interests, and its residents. “You never forgot it is public service,“ Alcorn said.
Supervisor Rodney Lusk representing the Franconia district acknowledged Murphy’s models of servant leadership, mentorship, and community building. Lusk noted that Murphy's actions and words consistently prioritize doing what is right, supporting the community, and avoiding actions driven by ideology or politics. Murphy ensured the county did “things that must and should be done.” Lusk said that he incorporated the lessons learned from Murphy into his professional life and when he thinks of Murphy, he envisions a person who prioritizes the needs of others.
Murphy thanked his family for supporting him. ”It's wonderful to have a family like that beside you when you're leading the charge you have for the future.”
Phillip A. Niedzielski-Eichner now serves as Chairman of the Planning Commission.