On February 7th, the Chairman of the VRA Board of Directors, Bill O'Brien, passed away at the age of 73. Mr. O'Brien had a distinguished career in public service.  He was known for his kind, thoughtful, and diligent demeanor and his commitment to the Commonwealth.

O'Brien will be remembered for a career built on serving the needs of all Virginians.  He began his career fighting for better access to public utilities and better resource allocations in Rockingham County and other rural parts of Virginia.  Bill was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Water and Sewer Authority, the predecessor to Virginia Resources Authority. In 1987 he was appointed to VRA's Board of Directors by Governor Baliles and was reappointed by the following seven Governors.  He was appointed as Chairman of the Board by the last four Virginia Governors.

O'Brien was known as a man of strong character and resolve. He was a Virginia gentleman, and his public service legacy will endure. On June 12th, in honor of the Chairman, VRA's Board and staff named its Boardroom the "William G. O'Brien Boardroom" to forever commemorate his public service to Virginia.