In March 2026, the Fairfax250 Commission elected new officers who bring fresh energy, diverse expertise, and a shared commitment to making America’s 250th anniversary meaningful for communities across Fairfax County.
The Commission is pleased to announce Liz Maurer as Chair, Chris Barbuschak as Vice Chair, and Tammy Mannarino as Secretary. Together, this leadership team is guiding Fairfax250 into its next phase by welcoming the community into the celebration.
Setting the Course for a County‑Wide Commemoration
Liz Maurer brings to the role a professional career rooted in public service and community engagement. As Chief of Programs & Education and Visitor Services at the National Museum of the United States Army, her experience spans organizational strategy, program development, and stakeholder engagement.
In the role of Chair, Maurer is focused on ensuring that Fairfax250 is a dynamic, inclusive experience that invites residents to explore how the past shapes the County’s shared present and future.
“Fairfax250 is about our past, our present, and the future we’re building together. It’s an invitation to come together as a community, to celebrate who we are at this moment in time and to imagine what comes next.”
Under Maurer’s leadership, the Commission is focused on building momentum and creating opportunities for residents to engage with history in meaningful ways that reflect Fairfax County’s diversity.
Connecting History, Archives, and Public Engagement
Chris Barbuschak brings deep professional expertise in archives, libraries, and public history. He serves as an Archivist and Librarian in The Virginia Room at the City of Fairfax Regional Library, where he manages the library’s historical collections and helps connect the public with primary sources that illuminate Northern Virginia’s past.
Barbuschak is also the author of Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries, reflecting his commitment to telling complex and essential stories through rigorous research and public scholarship. As Vice Chair, he brings this same care and curiosity to Fairfax250’s work—helping ensure that the Semiquincentennial is grounded in strong historical practice while remaining accessible, inclusive, and compelling.
Safeguarding the Record and Strengthening the Commission’s Work
Tammy Mannarino brings both professional rigor and deep historical knowledge to the Commission’s leadership team.
Mannarino spent most of her career at the National Security Agency in the field of Information Systems Security, building expertise in organization, documentation, and accountability. Alongside her professional work, she has developed a strong reputation as a local historian, researching, writing, and presenting on Fairfax County history.
She is a founding board member of the Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society and was appointed to the Fairfax County History Commission in 2020. Her work reflects a long‑standing commitment to preserving and sharing local history in ways that are accurate, engaging, and publicly accessible.
Looking Ahead
With this new leadership team in place, the Fairfax250 Commission is moving forward with renewed focus and enthusiasm. From community‑based celebrations and school partnerships to educational initiatives and public programs, the Commission is building a commemorative effort that reflects the richness and complexity of Fairfax County.
Together, Maurer, Barbuschak, and Mannarino are guiding Fairfax250 toward a once‑in‑a‑generation celebration: one that honors the past, engages the present, and invites all residents to be part of the story.