Our Mission

To encourage and support individuals and organizations interested in pursuing public service and prioritizing community involvement.

The Connolly Foundation’s vision is to build a community of dedicated public servants who understand the value of public service, make a lasting impact in the lives of their neighbors, and lift up the next generation of public leaders.

  • Hold ourselves to the highest ethical standard in every decision we make

  • We bring genuine enthusiasm to the work of public service

  • We look for creative and resourceful ways to make an impact

  • We put our community and neighbors before self

  • We hold our programs accountable to real, tangible results

Our Values

Our Team

  • Caitlin Connolly

    Co-Founder & President

    Caitlin grew up in Fairfax County, Virginia, watching her dad, Congressman Gerry Connolly, show how much one person's commitment to public service can impact a community. That experience inspired her passion for expanding access to education and helping the next generation find their own ways to serve. Today, she leads large, complex programs at Capital One, building on experience in management consulting at Deloitte and government technology, partnering with public sector clients on mission-driven challenges. She also serves on the board of The Lamb Center, a Fairfax County day shelter that helps people experiencing homelessness find work and permanent housing.

    She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Master of Public Policy from the University of Virginia.

  • "Smitty" Connolly

    Co-Founder & Vice President

    For 53 years, Smitty was Gerry Connolly's partner in life and in service, and together they shared a deep belief that communities thrive when neighbors show up for one another. She brings that same spirit to the Foundation, hoping to inspire the next generation to find purpose in serving others. A pillar of the Fairfax County community, she has been deeply involved in local organizations and civic life for over 30 years and serves on the board of ArtsFairfax.

  • Mark Natividad

    Board Member

    Mark came to know Gerry Connolly as his son-in-law and saw firsthand how much Gerry cared about the people he served. That example drives Mark's commitment to helping the next generation find meaningful paths into public service. Today, he advises government clients at the consulting firm EY-Parthenon, building on his experience in government technology, where he helped clients better serve their communities.

    He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology from Rutgers University.

  • Laura Vermillion

    Treasurer

    Laura has known the Connollys for most of her life, seeing up close how much Gerry gave to his community. Gerry's tireless efforts to improve the lives of those around him made a strong impression on her and instilled a sense of duty to help others. She shares the Foundation's belief that public service is one of the most meaningful ways to make a difference. Laura has worked in finance for the Commonwealth of Virginia for over a decade. Today, she works at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. 

    She has a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Anthropology from William & Mary.