20th Annual Road to Independence Gala to recognize Legend of Northern Virginia Dr. William A. Hazel, Jr.
(Oakton, Va. – March 26, 2018) Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) is committed to providing the tools and resources our neighbors in Northern Virginia need to maximize their potential and build brighter futures. Each year, we help more than 35,000 individuals in need achieve physical, mental and emotional well-being with our wraparound service model to ensure everyone in Northern Virginia can become a thriving member of our community.
The 20th annual Road to Independence Gala celebrates the impact NVFS, with the support of our donors, partners and volunteers, has on our community. The gala will also highlight individuals and community partners who are committed to carrying out NVFS’ mission through their generosity, including the Legend of Northern Virginia award, which is given to an individual who has a made a profound impact upon our region in both business and philanthropic endeavors, particularly in helping uplift children and families in our community.
This year, NVFS is proud to recognize Dr. William A. Hazel, Jr., former Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, as our Legend of Northern Virginia for his dedication to the health and well-being of all Virginia residents.
“His expertise in health policy, including healthcare reform and mental health initiatives; efforts to decrease homelessness; and relationship building between healthcare providers, legislators and business leaders have been assets to the state and the work that we do,” notes Stephanie Berkowitz, NVFS president and CEO. “His service has had, and will continue to have, a lasting impact on our community.”
Dr. Hazel’s passion for ensuring all Northern Virginia residents are provided with resources and opportunity has been translated throughout his career. During his tenure as secretary, Dr. Hazel oversaw 11 state agencies comprising diverse programs such as Medicaid, Behavioral Health, Social Services, as well as Aging and Rehabilitation; served as co-chair for the first Children’s Cabinet in Virginia and the Governor’s Task Force on Prescription Drug and Heroin Abuse, and continues to serve as the founding chair of ConnectVirginia. Dr. Hazel has served as a trustee of the American Medical Association, speaker and president of the Medical Society of Virginia, president of the INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital Medical Staff, and chair of the Medical Affairs council of the INOVA Health System.
The event will take place Friday, May 11, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner (7920 Jones Branch Drive, McLean, VA). Individual tickets are available for $300 at nvfs.org/gala.