John Salamone, national executive director of the National Italian American Foundation, was recently nominated by President George W. Bush to serve as a member of the Board of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation for a six-year term. The Foundation was established by an act of Congress in 1992 to "encourage and support research, study and labor designed to produce new discoveries in all fields of endeavor for the benefit of mankind." Salamone, an Oakton resident, has been selected as this week's profile.
1. Number of years in the Oakton Community: 13.
2. Family: Wife, Kathy; daughter Elizabeth, 20, a junior at James Madison University; and son David, 14, a freshman at Oakton High School.
3. Primary Occupation: National executive director of the National Italian American Foundation, a nonprofit educational and cultural organization based in Washington, D.C. Salamone has been in this position for 21 years.
4. Achievements:
* Raised more than $50 million for NIAF over the past 21 years to provide scholarships and grants to deserving young people;
* Led the effort to change the U.S. polio vaccine policy to provide a safer vaccine, resulting in the eradication of vaccine-associated polio;
* Selected from among 10,000 nominees in 2004 to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Award at a special ceremony in New York;
* Named by President George W. Bush to serve on the Christopher Columbus Foundation, which funds programs for youth and individuals involved in scientific research;
* Named as the only layman to serve on the Advisory Committee on Immunization practices; the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Committee that oversees our U.S. immunization policy;
* Named Parent of the Year by Exceptional Parent magazine;
* Honored by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for service to the community and support of funding initiatives;
* Conferred Knighthood by the Order of St. John, one of the oldest orders of chivalry still in existence.
5. Hobbies: Unfortunately, my active calendar and demanding work and travel schedule leave little time for hobbies. I enjoy skiing and board games, especially backgammon.
6. Favorite local restaurant in Oakton? I am searching for a good and close Italian restaurant; unfortunately, I need to travel to Vienna (Bonaroti) or Fairfax (Dolce Vita).
7. What is your major concern in your community? Transportation remains one of the most critical issues for Oakton and all of Northern Virginia. At our current rate of growth, we will have gridlock in a few years. Extending the Metro beyond Vienna and widening Route 66 inside the Beltway are essential first steps if we hope to reduce the amount of stress during our commute.
8. Hidden treasure in your community: Our hidden treasure is our location. We live in English Oaks subdivision, with our home backed against the woods. While we can walk to the Oakton Shopping Center and drive one mile to the Metro or Route 66, we still have some beautiful woods in Oakton that ensure our closeness to nature. We still could use some first-class dining, but I think Oakton offers the best living environment in the Washington, D.C., area.
9. Personal goals. My personal goal is to be an even better father to my special children, husband to an incredible wife, and productive member of a wonderful community. My hope is that I can make more time for all of the above.
10. Education. Bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland with a dual major in journalism and government.
11. Favorite Book. My favorite book is the "Variorum Walden" by Henry David Thoreau.
12. Community involvement? My personal campaigns have been more national than community, but I have supported efforts to have the best schools, better transportation and reasonable rate of growth.
13. Favorite vacation spot? Of course, my favorite vacation spot is Italy and especially the Amalfi Coast and Sicily.
14. Greatest inspiration? My greatest inspiration has always come from within. As a product of a broken and very poor home, I was determined to make the best of my life. I have always been driven to compete against no one but myself. I count my blessings every day.
Know someone who should be recognized for his or her contributions to the community? Send profile nominations to Nina M. Dry at vienna@connectionnewspapers.com, or call 703-917-6422.