J. Hamilton Lambert

J. Hamilton 'Jay' Lambert was the Fairfax County Executive from 1980 to 1990.

Lambert joined the county government in 1959 as an assistant map draftsman.

Lambert became the county's director of general services in 1973.

Lambert was first named as acting county executive in December 1975, replacing Robert W. Wilson, and took office on January 16, 1976.

In November 1976, Lambert was appointed, along with Samuel Finz and Pat McDonald, as a deputy county executive, overseeing the county's operations. This portfolio included a striking breadth of services, including the fire and rescue department, police department, the department of recreation and community services, the department of extension and continuing education, the department of manpower services, the department of consumer affairs, and the department of animal control.

Lambert again became the acting Fairfax County executive on November 3, 1978 after the Board of Supervisors forced out Leonard L. Whorton. Although he initially declined accepting the position permanently, following a nearly two-year courtship by the Board, Lambert relented and was appointed unanimously on August 4, 1980.

Following a salary dispute with the Board of Supervisors, Lambert decided to retire from county service in 1990 after 31 years.

Following his retirement, Lambert founded the consulting firm J. Hamilton Lambert and Associates.

He has also served as the executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation since June 1990.

Lambert later became the senior vice president for operations for Seaward International in 1995.