The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors appointed Paul Thomas as the Hunter Mill District's new planning commissioner on Tuesday, Aug. 25, filling a seat that reviews development proposals affecting McLean and Reston neighborhoods.

Thomas, a lifelong Reston resident and education consultant, replaces John Carter, a licensed architect who served on the Fairfax County Planning Commission for nine years. Carter's last day on the post is Monday, Aug. 31.

The 12-member commission advises the Board of Supervisors on development matters, including comprehensive plan amendments, zoning ordinance changes and rezoning applications. The Hunter Mill seat covers projects in Reston, Tysons and parts of McLean.

Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn nominated Thomas and praised Carter's record at the Tuesday, Aug. 25, meeting.

"John's many contributions are visible to everyone who lives or works in Reston and the Hunter Mill District," Alcorn said, according to FFXnow. Alcorn added that Carter helped ensure development met high design standards and minimized impacts on surrounding communities.

Board Chair Jeff McKay also credited Carter at the meeting for improving individual projects and overall planning processes.

Before joining the Planning Commission, Carter served on the Fairfax County Architectural Review Board and the Hunter Mill District Land Use Committee.

Thomas previously taught math and computer science at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees in operations research and management science from George Mason University.

His civic record runs deep. He has served on the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, the Fairfax County Human Services Council, the Reston Association Board and the Reston Historic Trust Board. He also served on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force alongside Carter.

In a statement released when Alcorn announced the nomination in early August, Thomas said his experience on the task force and his years as a teacher, coach and volunteer would help him work with staff, developers and community members.

A community gathering honoring Carter is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center, 1801 Cameron Glen Drive in Reston.

The Planning Commission next meets Wednesday, Sept. 9. On the agenda is a proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment for the 16.5-acre Crescent Apartments site in the Lake Anne Village Center area of Reston.