From Payroll To Leadership: Reena Thomson Takes New FCFRD Role

FAIRFAX COUNTY — Reena Thomson has been promoted to director of human resources for the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Fire Chief John Butler announced Aug. 14.

Thomson, who joined the department in 2004 as a payroll contact in its Human Resources Division, will lead that division and the Professional Standards Division. She will work with executive leadership to oversee the department’s human resources functions.

Thomson was promoted to personnel and payroll supervisor in 2006. Five years later, she became a grant specialist for the department’s Urban Search and Rescue program, working to secure funding for equipment, programs and activities that were not covered by general funds.

While serving in that position, Thomson completed a grants management certificate program and was among the first Fairfax County employees to receive the certification, according to the department.

She was appointed the Urban Search and Rescue program’s fiscal administrator in 2017, overseeing its administrative and financial operations. The department named Thomson its Civilian of the Year in 2018, its highest honor for civilian employees.

Thomson returned to human resources leadership in 2021 when she was promoted to human resources manager. In that position, she oversaw the Human Resources Division.

Most recently, Thomson served as the department’s policy and grievance director. She managed the Policy and Grievance Administration Division and served as a subject matter expert for the labor contract negotiation team.

Thomson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She also holds a grants management certification from Management Concepts.