VRE Operations Board Member Gary Skinner Recognized by the Virginia Transit Association

On Wednesday, May 24, the Virginia Transit Association (VTA) named The Honorable Gary Skinner, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, as the 2017 winner of the Outstanding Contributions by an Individual Award. A celebration was held at the VTA’s Awards Luncheon during its Annual Conference in Crystal City.

The Outstanding Contributions by an Individual Award recognizes extraordinary efforts to improve public transportation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a member of the VRE Operations Board, Supervisor Skinner was a long-time advocate for expanding commuter rail into Spotsylvania County. Under his leadership, the VRE Spotsylvania Station was constructed in 2015, providing easy, congestion free access to Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia to thousands of commuters across the Commonwealth.  As Chairman of the VRE Operations Board in 2016, he oversaw completion of a project to add a third track to the main rail line, helping to improve service and reduce congested-related rail delays within the corridor. Skinner’s contributions have made a lasting impact on commuters across Virginia, as VRE experienced historic growth during his tenure.

Prior to joining the Board of Supervisors in 2008, Supervisor Skinner served on the Spotsylvania County School Board. He served in the US Marine Corps for 20 years and is a decorated veteran of Desert Storm.