2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101673D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 140

Offered February 16, 2026

Celebrating the life of J. Hamilton Lambert.

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Patrons—Reid, Martinez, Reaser and Singh; Senators: Bennett-Parker, Boysko, Marsden, Pekarsky, Salim and Surovell

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WHEREAS, J. Hamilton Lambert, a public servant whose steady leadership guided Fairfax County through a period of significant growth and a passionate philanthropist who touched countless lives by supporting human services programs across the Commonwealth, died on November 3, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Hamilton Lambert grew up in Loudoun County, where his family has deep roots dating back to the 1700s; he graduated from Loudoun County High School in Leesburg and began working for Fairfax County as a draftsman in 1959; and

WHEREAS, a fast learner and a collaborative leader with a penchant for problem solving, Hamilton Lambert took on a wide variety of responsibilities in local government; he had more than 20 job titles over the course of his career with Fairfax County, culminating in his selection as county executive in 1980; and

WHEREAS, as Fairfax County grew to become the most populous county in the Commonwealth, Hamilton Lambert played an essential role in maintaining a high quality of life for all residents and ensuring the efficient delivery of services and utilities; and

WHEREAS, among his many accomplishments, Hamilton Lambert arranged funding for the Dulles Toll Road, finalized a regional sewage treatment agreement that improved water quality and helped preserve the Upper Occoquan watershed, and maintained an AAA financial rating for Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement from Fairfax County in 1990, Hamilton Lambert accepted a position helping Loudoun County physician Claude Moore plan for the future of his estate; he ultimately became executive director of the Claude Moore Foundation, which has awarded more than $110 million in grants to nonprofit organizations focused on workforce development, education, health care, and other critical needs in Northern Virginia and beyond; and

WHEREAS, Hamilton Lambert was most proud of his contributions to education and workforce development, programs that not only directly enhanced the lives of beneficiaries, but created a strong foundation for future generations to achieve success; and

WHEREAS, in 2005, Hamilton Lambert oversaw the creation of the Claude Moore Scholars program, which has since expanded to 56 school systems throughout the Commonwealth and invested more than $20 million in programs that have supported more than 22,000 young people; in 2024, he also created the Claude Moore Opportunities Foundation, which prioritizes workforce development in industries facing worker shortages; and

WHEREAS, in addition, Hamilton Lambert used his expertise in local government administration to help the community of Moorefield Station grow to become one of Loudoun County's top places to live, work, and visit through thoughtful planning initiatives; and

WHEREAS, Hamilton Lambert earned several awards and accolades for his personal and professional achievements; he was inducted as a Loudoun Laurel in 2015 and Changemaker of the Year by the Community Foundation of Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties in 2024; and

WHEREAS, Hamilton Lambert will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of J. Hamilton Lambert, an incomparable public servant in Fairfax County and a life-changing philanthropist; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of J. Hamilton Lambert as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.