Daniel Lyon serves Chairman of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. He is this week's People Profile.
Number of Years in the Fairfax Community: 40
Family: Wife Paula Lyon; Children Carl Andrew (“Drew”) Lyon, 13, and Nathaniel Lyon, 12
Education: I have two degrees — an undergraduate degree, with a major in accounting, and a juris doctor degree. I graduated from James Madison University with a B.B.A. (cum laude) in May 1986, and was a member of the University’s accounting honor society (Beta Alpha Psi). I immediately started work with KPMG Peat Marwick and obtained my license to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in October 1987. In 1989, I resigned from Peat Marwick, Paula and I got married, and I began attending the George Mason University School of Law, where I became a member of the law review. In May 1992, I earned my Juris Doctor (with distinction), and accepted a full-time associate position with the Fairfax office of Miles & Stockbridge. Most of the attorneys from the Fairfax office separated from Miles & Stockbridge in 1995-96, and re-established the long-standing law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C.
Current job/primary occupation: As a principal with the law firm of McCandlish & Lillard, P.C., I provide legal services in Litigation, Business and Information Technology. I split my time between the firm’s Fairfax Office and its Leesburg office. I have litigated commercial issues on behalf of businesses and individuals at the trial and appellate level in both state and federal courts.
Achievements: I am currently serving a second term as chairman of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce. I have served the Chamber as a director (1993-2005), vice president of Member Services (1996-98), vice president of Master Planning (1999), chairman (2001), past-chairman (2002), legal counsel (2003 and 2004) and I agreed to serve a second term as chairman this year. I have also served on the Board of Advisors for the City of Fairfax Symphony, and provided pro bono legal services through the Legal Services of Northern Virginia and the Fairfax Bar Association Shelter Outreach and Non-Profit Program. Activities/interests/hobbies? I coached soccer for the Loudoun Youth Soccer Association from 1996-2004, when my sons Drew and Nathan played in the association league. Now, I coach the boys on the golf course. My family and I are members of the Belmont Country Club in Ashburn, and all enjoy playing together and competing. Much of my family life has centered around the golf course since I grew up playing at the Country Club of Fairfax, and captained the Thomas Jefferson High School team.
What are your community concerns? As a life-long resident of Northern Virginia, a parent and a businessman, I am concerned that some of our business leaders lack commitment to positions of social leadership. Business people need to act as role models for others.
What are some ideas you have on ways to improve your community? I plan to remain an active participant in my community and remain a resource for the education and protection of business owners and entrepreneurs. I was taught social commitment by my primary role models, my parents, and will continue to do what I can to be a positive role model for others, particularly the youth, in our community. I enjoy speaking to kids in the public school systems, as well as providing seminars for businesses, individuals and other legal professionals.
What community "hidden treasure" do you think more people should know about? Our hidden treasures include our chambers of commerce, universities, nonprofit organizations, public officials and local government resources. That’s why they’re there. Favorite local restaurant or place in Fairfax? That’s a tough one, but I would have to say Dolce Vita in the City of Fairfax. It has a lot of character, including its owner, Joey Riccardi, and serves fantastic food at reasonable prices.
Personal goals? I would like to be remembered as someone who made a meaningful contribution to his community. On a professional basis, I want to continue to contribute to the growth and reputation of my law firm. As an attorney, I value my reputation for integrity, professionalism, service and, of course, knowledge. These are attributes that distinguish you from the ordinary. My personal goals start with my family, which includes raising two reasonably well-adjusted boys and helping my wife meet her goals. Someday, I also want to write a book. Perhaps that will have to wait for retirement.
Know someone who should be acknowledged for their contributions to his/her community? Send People Profile nominations to Nina M. Dry at fairfax@connectionnewspapers.com or call 703-917-6422.