Alexandria Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley assumed the top leadership spot of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) for 2026 last night (Thursday).
Bagley was unanimously elected chair of the regional body and will lead it during what is likely to be a pivotal year for transit funding across the area.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” said Bagley, who was appointed to the NVTC board in 2022 and served as vice chair in 2025.
Bagley asked fellow commission members for their support in the year ahead, when local leaders will seek to win General Assembly authority for dedicated transit funding.
“Please help, because I will need it over the tough year ahead,” she said.
Bagley succeeds Falls Church City Council member David Snyder, who in 2025 had chaired the body for the fourth time during his 31 years of membership. She was elected to City Council in 2021 and reelected in 2025. She also heads an affordable housing nonprofit.
Last night’s meeting saw the arrival of several new members and the departure of others. And it was an opportunity to look back on the achievements of the preceding year.
In remarks, Bagley said improvements in transit systems across the region last year represented an ongoing effort to improve service and fiscal responsibility.
“It really was a record-setting year,” she said. “That doesn’t happen overnight.”
She praised Snyder, who juggled civic responsibilities with a health crisis during the year.
“His dedication to NVTC and the region is inspirational,” Bagley said. “I couldn’t ask for somebody better to follow behind.”
Snyder will serve as immediate past chair in 2026. Joining Bagley in elected leadership positions will be Matthew Letourneau of Loudoun County as vice chair and Maureen Coffey of Arlington County as secretary-treasurer.
“It’s an extraordinary group of officers — we’re very lucky,” Snyder said.
Among those new to the NVTC board is recently elected Fairfax County Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer. In late 2025, she won a special election to fill the Braddock District seat when after then-Supervisor James Walkinshaw was elected to Congress.
“I’m very excited to serve Northern Virginia and hopefully fill James Walkinshaw’s very big shoes,” she said.
Among the departures was Del. Mark Sickles (D-17), who has been selected by Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger as Virginia’s secretary of finance.
Set for departure in February is Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39), who also is heading to the executive branch. He will serve as senior adviser to the Virginia Cannabis Control Board.
Ebbin in 2025 chaired a legislative subcommittee that has recommended Northern Virginia be given the authority to raise $400 million a year in support transit.
“I don’t know of anyone who has been a more tireless advocate” for Northern Virginia transit, Snyder said.
The NVTC board is composed of 21 commissioners: five from Fairfax County, three from Arlington, two each from Loudoun County and Alexandria, one each from the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, six appointed by the General Assembly and one appointed by the Virginia Secretary of Transportation.
