INOVA Loudoun Hospital CEO Randy Kelley recently announced the creation of a new initiative called The Loudoun Laurels, a program designed to recognize the truly outstanding individuals and organizations that make Greater Loudoun County a vibrant, supportive community and an exceptional place to live.

"By recognizing citizens and organizations whose service to our community too often goes unnoticed, we will increase awareness of the dedication and stewardship that make a major contribution to our quality of life," Kelley explained. "We hope the Loudoun Laurels will elevate people for recognition who will become role models for others who want to carry on the traditions of generosity and dedication that are so important to our community."

A Founder's Committee of Greater Loudoun citizens has been established to serve as nominators for The Loudoun Laurels. The community leaders who have been invited to serve as Loudoun Laurels Founders each have a history of service and a deep sense of community made them ideal advisors to the new venture.

Speaking thoughtfully about the Northern Virginia area he has enthusiastically embraced as home since arriving at Inova Loudoun Hospital almost two years ago, Kelley noted, "In the last few years, our county has all too often been defined by the strains of population growth and rapid development or, more recently, the real estate crisis. The spirit, the sense of community, the innovation, and the dedication that are hallmarks here are too often overlooked."

Kelley firmly believes that by honoring the best in people, the Loudoun Laurels will help establish a powerful sense of community among old and new residents that will enrich the life of every citizen.

"INOVA Loudoun Hospital is a true community institution," he continued. "It is our responsibility to provide services for every person within every town, village and neighborhood and we take that responsibility very seriously."

"We want to contribute to a change in the tenor of the conversation in and about Loudoun," says Kelley. "Amazing people are doing remarkable things in Loudoun, be it dedicated young people helping others, long-time residents quietly giving to those less fortunate over the course of their lifetimes, or businesses pushing the frontiers of what we imagine is possible. We want to move beyond the hot-button issues of the day and ensure that everyone understands that the historic sense of stewardship is alive and well in this beautiful and historic place."

Ever a realist, Kelley is quick to point out that the goal of The Loudoun Laurels is not to gloss over any challenges the county faces, but rather to shine a little bit of the spotlight on men and women of all ages who, through their pro-active and consistent commitment, have a positive impact on the community.

"This program will not make the issues we all face, traffic, schools, cost of living, go away. Those are real issues that must be resolved. But there are other things that too often don't receive the attention we feel they deserve. Positive things that everyone should be aware of and take delight in because it is these things that contribute so much to the pleasure of living here.

"That's what The Loudoun Laurels will be about; ensuring that we are all knowledgeable about and aware of the many positive aspects of community."

Members of The Loudoun Laurels' Founders' Committee include Howard M. Armfield, Jr., formerly of Armfield, Harrison & Thomas, Inc., Peter Arundel of ArCom Publishing, Joseph L. Boling