[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING NOVA PARKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PAUL GILBERT ON THE OCCASION 
                           OF HIS RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. JAMES R. WALKINSHAW

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2025

  Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Mr. Paul Gilbert 
on his upcoming retirement after two decades of extraordinary 
leadership as Executive Director of NOVA Parks. Mr. Gilbert has 
transformed our park system into a vibrant, inclusive network of 
outdoor spaces that serve more than 2 million residents across Northern 
Virginia. His dedicated service to our region is worth celebrating and 
commemorating.
  Mr. Gilbert became Executive Director of NOVA Parks in 2005 after 
serving many years on the NOVA Parks Board. During his tenure as 
Executive Director, Mr. Gilbert remained steadfastly dedicated to 
public service in land acquisition, conservation, and management.
  Under Mr. Gilbert's visionary leadership, NOVA Parks completed 22 
major land-acquisition transactions totaling over 1,800 acres of 
parkland, 15 new parks, and 3 expanded parks. These acquisitions 
increased access to nature, preserved precious habitat, and elevated 
the quality of life in our region.
  A hallmark of Mr. Gilbert's career has been his commitment to telling 
the untold stories of Northern Virginia. Under his guidance, NOVA Parks 
made significant efforts to illuminate the forgotten stories of the 
many communities that helped shape Fairfax County. Mr. Gilbert's vision 
ensured that NOVA Parks was not only protecting natural landscapes but 
also honoring the diverse communities and stories that helped shape 
Northern Virginia.
  Mr. Gilbert's many contributions to public service have been 
recognized throughout his career, including receiving the Outstanding 
Contribution to Outdoor Recreation award from the Virginia Department 
of Conservation & Recreation and the Land Manager of the Year award 
from the Mid-Atlantic Mountain Bike Enthusiasts. Along with his 
tremendous service to NOVA Parks, Mr. Gilbert has also dedicated his 
time as an Executive-in-Residence for George Mason University's 
Recreation Management Program, Chairman of the Board of Visit Fairfax, 
and a member of the Board for The Community Foundation for Northern 
Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, Paul Gilbert's decades of vision, leadership, and 
dedication to our parks system will benefit our region for generations 
to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Mr. Gilbert for his 
years of dedicated service and wishing him a joyful and well-earned 
retirement.

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