In 1997, Jay Fisette became the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to office in Virginia when he won the Arlington County Board seat.
Fisette served for six terms on the Board, from 1998 to 2017, and served as Board Chair five times, including in his final year.
Fisette focused on numerous issues during his tenure, including strong environmental policies, local affordable housing, and urban planning. He also has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Metropolitan Council of Governments, the Virginia Housing Development Authority, and the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance.
