Nominations Are Now Open
The Chamber is accepting nominations for the 2026 Achievement Honors in the Member to Watch and Community Impact award categories. These honors recognize chamber members and community members who are making a meaningful difference—through innovation, leadership, service, and a strong commitment to our local business community.
We encourage all members to submit a nomination for the 2026 Member to Watch. Whether you are recognizing a fellow member or putting your own name forward, this is an opportunity to highlight the work being done to strengthen our economy and improve our business community. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged.
- The Member to Watch honors an emerging or growing Chamber member nonprofit, business or professional demonstrating momentum, leadership, and promise.
- Community Impact recognizes those in the South Fairfax community whose work, service, or initiative has had a positive and lasting effect on the NoVa community.
If you know a business or individual deserving of recognition—or if your own organization has a story to tell—please take a few moments to submit a nomination. Your participation helps ensure these awards truly reflect the breadth and impact of our membership. Chamber members are invited to log into your account or check your email for a link to the Member to Watch nomination form. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our members and the positive influence they have throughout our community.
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce 2025 Achievement Honor Recipients
Dr. Swathi M. Reddy Named 2025 Member to Watch
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the SFCC Member to Watch Award, which recognizes a Chamber member for their innovation, creativity, and excellence in community engagement. This year’s honoree, Dr. Swathi M. Reddy, of All Smiles Orthodontics, was recognized for her professional excellence and generous spirit.
“Dr. Reddy is very active in the South Fairfax community,” said SFCC Chair Casey Whitmarsh. “She is very supportive of Chamber events, and she also recently generously provided 3D printers to local elementary schools.”
Driven by a lifelong passion to help others through orthodontics, Dr. Reddy not only improves smiles but also uplifts her community. In addition to her involvement with SFCC, she is an active member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. “We are proud to honor her dedication to excellence, community care, and the lasting impact she has made on both patients and peers,” added Whitmarsh.
A Night to Remember
The evening served as both a celebration and a reminder of the remarkable individuals who drive progress and unity in South Fairfax. The Chamber is proud to shine a spotlight on these honorees who give so much of themselves for the betterment of others.
As the Chamber looks to the future, events like the Achievement Honors Gala reinforce its mission: to support local businesses, foster meaningful connections, and champion community development across South Fairfax.
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (SFCC) recently hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Achievement Honors Gala at the historic Gunston Hall, bringing together business leaders, government officials, and members of the vibrant South Fairfax community for an evening of celebration, recognition, and community pride.
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.
SFCC Chair Casey Whitmarsh, Elena Jordon, Community Impact Honoree
& SFCC Executive Director Carla Olivo
Community Impact Award Recognizes Two Local Changemakers
The Community Impact Award honors individuals whose volunteerism and community service have made a meaningful difference in South Fairfax. This year, Elena Jordon and Ron Kowalski were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
Elena Jordon has been a pillar of the South County Athletic Booster Club for over a decade, coordinating sports programs, managing concessions, and leading fundraising efforts that bring in more than $40,000 annually. She also co-founded the Emma Jordon Kidz Fighting Cancer Foundation, organizing awareness events at South County High School and helping provide over $140,000 in grants for pediatric cancer research and family support at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“Elena doesn’t just give her time—she invests pieces of her heart in the hope of making a better world,” said Whitmarsh.
Joining Elena in receiving the Community Impact honor, Ron Kowalski has been a foundational figure in the Chamber since its inception. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and a deep commitment to service, Ron has played a vital role in the Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) as a board member for the past decade. He is best known for hosting the Annual Monopoly Tournament, a beloved charity event that has now run for 16 years.
“Ron truly embodies the spirit of the Community Impact Award, demonstrating outstanding dedication, commitment, and contributions to the betterment of the South Fairfax community,” noted Whitmarsh.
Casey Whitmarsh, SFCC Chair with Ron Kowalski and Tim Rizer
ACHIEVEMENT HONORS 2024
The South Fairfax Chamber is proud to recognize three individuals who have significantly impacted local business and the community through their selfless acts of service, community development efforts, and a spirit of generosity.
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Brian Gottlieb as the Chamber's 2024 Member to Watch! Brian, an award-winning realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty, resides in Lorton, and is an active, valuable member of our Chamber. “Brian is a creative problem solver dedicated to putting his clients first,” says Chamber Chair Casey Whitmarsh. “He is also very active in the Chamber, most recently assisting with community outreach at the Commerce Carnival last spring.”
The Chamber's Community Impact award honors two exceptional members of the South Fairfax community. Rebecca Geller is an award-winning attorney, philanthropist, trailblazer, and passionate advocate for equality and human rights. Over the past decade, she has transformed the lives of female attorneys in the Geller Law Firm and created a new business model for other firms to follow. Rebecca is a committed community volunteer, regularly helping at the Lorton Community Action Center, a local food pantry. During the pandemic, she organized a food drive that collected over $100,000 worth of donations, which she sorted so these much-needed items could be delivered. “Rebecca's impact is felt throughout South Fairfax, both professionally and in our neighborhoods,” says Whitmarsh. “She is truly deserving of the Community Impact award.”
Joining Rebecca is Karen McGuinness, who stepped into the role of the Food For Neighbors Event Coordinator for South County High School last winter. Passionate about her volunteer work, Karen is dedicated to ensuring that no child or teen ever goes hungry. Under her leadership, the high school pantry has grown significantly through local food drives. South County was established as a sorting site in spring 2023. Karen says, “The community's generosity continues to amaze me, and partnering with Food For Neighbors has been essential.”
The South Fairfax Chamber is proud to recognize these three individuals who have significantly impacted local business and the community through their selfless acts of service, community development efforts, and a spirit of generosity.
Hillary Clawson, Friends of Mason Neck State Park, SFCC Community Impact Honoree Rebecca Geller, The Geller Law Group, SFCC Chair Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm agent
Chamber Chair Casey Whitmarsh presenting the 2024 Chamber Member to Watch to Brian Gottlieb, Berkshire Hathaway / PenFed Realty
Pipi Harrison, 2023 Community Impact Honoree, Grace McGuinness, SFCC Chair Casey Whitmarsh.
2023 Honorees
The Chamber honored The Metropolitan School of the Arts as the SFCC 2023 Member to Watch at last spring's Super S.T.I.R. and Annual Meeting at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton. Mr. Dave Kyle of Trademasters presented the award to MSA's Co-Executive Directors, Sara Hart and Michelle Collier.
The Friends of Mason Neck State Park were honored with a South Fairfax Chamber Community Service Award for their mission to conserve, enhance, and interpret the park's natural, and historic resources. President Hillary Clawson accepted the award from SFCC Executive Director Carla Olivo.
Carla also presented a South Fairfax Chamber Community Service Award to Pipi Harrison recognizing her work with students at the Bryant Alternative High School.
