Key To Herndon Presented To Former Council Member Bill McKenna

HERNDON, VA — Mayor Sheila Olem surprised former Town Council Member Bill McKenna on March 4, when she showed up at his house to present him with the key to the Town of Herndon.

"I din't expect it," McKenna said, during a recent phone interview with Patch. "Doing something because it needs to be done is its own reward, but being recognized for it from the mayor and from staff just makes my heart swell."

McKenna was first elected to the council in 2016 and went on to serve two terms. He was also appointed as the Dranesville District's representative to the Citizens Corps Council, which focuses on emergency preparedness.

As a member of the town council, McKenna also created the Youth Advisory Council, which helped middle and high school students in Herndon learn how government works.

McKenna is not the only member of his family to be honored by the Town of Herndon.

His wife Melissa McKenna, who served 10 years as a member of the Herndon Planning Commission, received her own key from the town council. Melissa also serves on the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority Commission.

Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, McKenna traces his interest in public service back to his father, who was councilman.

"I saw even at a young age serving the town and helping people, solving problems is always something I've enjoyed doing," he said. "I just enjoy helping people."

As for receiving the Key to Herndon, McKenna thanked the mayor, the other members of the council and town staff for helping him to be a better and more effective public servant.