Eric Knudsen, because of his persistent and tireless work for the benefit of the Great Falls community over many years, was awarded the Glen Sjoblom Award in recognition of his extensive efforts on behalf of Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA). These include three years as president, three years as vice-president, and additional terms as chair of the Transportation and Land Use & Zoning Committees. The award was presented by GFCA President, Bill Canis.

The following achievements were cited by GFCA’s Executive Board:

• launching an ongoing mitigation effort in this community to control damaging storm water runoff affecting local roads and homeowners;

• initiating and negotiating with engineers and Fairfax County staff to narrow Walker Road, facilitating long-sought pedestrian crossings in the village’s commercial center;

• as co-chair of the Transportation Committee with former Great Falls resident Joan Barnes, working to have the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) revise its proposed plans for the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike, resulting in reduced congestion and increased safety on the Pike, and earning formal recognition by the Board of Supervisors as Lord and Lady Fairfax;

• participating as a key figure in the work that led to the formation of the Route 7 Working Group that advises VDOT on key parameters of that project, an eight year commitment that included participation by the McLean and Reston citizens associations;

• leading negotiations with Fairfax County and developers, over multi-year periods, with regard to the land use rezoning of Brooks Farm, as well as the now-abandoned plans for a new Sun Trust Bank building, culminating in major, long-standing improvements for the community, that were approved by the Board of Supervisors;

• participating in a special GFCA committee tasked with overseeing the cleanup of chemical spills in the center of Great Falls that threatened residents’ well water;

• being a driving force for the establishment of the Great Falls Grange Foundation, serving as the GFCA representative in establishing that organization to preserve one of the community’s most important historical assets.

The Glen Sjoblom Award was established in 2018 to recognize outstanding and sustained service to GFCA and its committees. Recipients have demonstrated collaborative teamwork, innovation, and leadership, and have made a significant contribution to the Great Falls community.