Fairfax County Supervisor Penelope A. “Penny” Gross, representing the Mason District adjacent the City of Falls Church and a long-time News-Press columnist, was elected president of the Virginia Association of Counties for the coming year at the organization’s 80th annual conference in Bath County on Nov. 11. She becomes the ninth president from Fairfax County and the second in four years.

“I’m excited for the challenge of being president of VACo, and I’m humbled by this opportunity,” Gross said. “VACo is coming off a successful year of implementing a strategic plan, and I want to continue the progress. I’m also thrilled to lead an organization that promotes the well-being of all counties.”