Nov 4, 2025 4 min read Fairfax Tree Rescuers - PRISM

F.C. Bulletin: City's New Finance Director; Social Justice Committee Workshop; Tree Rescuers

Fairfax Tree Rescuers - PRISM will be holding a Week of Action (starting Nov. 9) in Falls Church and across Fairfax County dedicated to removing invasive species threatening trees. Courtesy Fairfax PRISM.

City of Falls Church Announces New Director of Finance

David So has been named the new Director of Finance for the City of Falls Church. Courtesy City of Falls Church.

The City of Falls Church has named David So as the new Director of Finance for the City, per an Oct. 29 press release.

David So joins the City of Falls Church from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) where he has served as Director, Office of Management and Budget. David's accomplishments during his time at WMATA include leading the revamp of the budget book, budgeting and reporting process improvements, and constantly driving innovation within his team. Prior to WMATA, David gained experience in the private sector working with Berkeley Research Group, Nestle, and Samsung.

“The City of Falls Church is a thriving and dynamic community, and I am thrilled to join this team of dedicated public servants,” said David. “I believe in a collaborative approach to budgeting and strategic planning, and I look forward to working to ensure our financial policies continue to serve the best interests of the community."

David So earned his bachelor’s of science in finance from the University of Maryland and his master’s of business administration from George Washington University School of Business.

“We are pleased to welcome David So to the City of Falls Church as our new Director of Finance. His extensive experience will be a tremendous asset to our City – and we are confident that David's leadership and strategic vision will ensure our continued fiscal strength and transparency," said City Manager Wyatt Shields.

David So officially joined the City of Falls Church Nov. 3.

'Who Came Before Us on This Land and Why It Matters: Understanding and Acknowledging the Indigenous People of Virginia'

A descendent of two Virginia tribes is the featured speaker for a Falls Church workshop Nov. 15 to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.

Artist, historian and educator Rose Powhatan will share her family’s history from the Pamunkey and Tauxenent (Dogue) tribes in Northern Virginia. She will also describe the original inhabitants of Falls Church and Fairfax County, what happened to them, how they have influenced us and ways we can honor their legacy.

The workshop, sponsored by the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity, is from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Falls Church Presbyterian Church, 225 E. Broad St.

The program is free but registration is requested here.

**Rose Powhatan** with actor, Colin Farrell to the right, a New World movie producer at a Chickahominy powwow near the movie set located next to the Chickahominy River, Virginia. They are next to her Powhatan Totem poles. Caption and photo courtesy https://yamaye-mike.blogspot.com/.

The Social Justice Committee is part of the Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation, founded in 1997 to preserve African American history and promote racial reconciliation in Northern Virginia. For more information, visit www.tinnerhill.org.

For more on the Social Justice Committee of Falls Church and Vicinity see our recent article below:

Tree Rescuers Fairfax PRISM Launch Week of Action

This week marks the launch of a "Week of Action" by Fairfax PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management) a local nonprofit dedicated to saving trees from invasive plant species.

In Falls Church and across Fairfax County, events are being held for volunteers to step up and be "tree rescuers."

According to a press release from Fairfax PRISM, "This is a great opportunity to get some fresh air, meet new people, and make a difference in our community through protecting our trees and parks from invasive species. So come out and free the trees from invasives."

"We are asking the community to please sign up and help Fairfax Tree Rescuers - PRISM get off to strong start!," the organization said.