Tannia Talento Sworn in as Interim Arlington County Board Member

Published on July 18, 2023

Tannia Talento was unanimously appointed to the Arlington County Board on Saturday, July 15, 2023, during the Board's regular meeting. She was sworn in at Tuesday's Recessed meeting and will serve out the term remainder of former Board member Katie Cristol, who stepped down July 4, 2023. 

Ms. Talento is an Arlington resident, born and raised in the DMV, that has worked as a community leader and public servant. Currently, she serves as the Northern Virginia Regional Director for U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner, where she manages the Vienna state office and leads the outreach work for Northern Virginia. Ms. Talento served on the Arlington School Board from 2017-2020, including as Vice-Chair and Chair.

"I am truly honored to have been appointed to the County Board and appreciate their vote of confidence in my ability to serve," Ms. Talento said. "I recognize the importance of the matters that will come before the Board in the next few months, and I do not take lightly the work and responsibility that comes with serving in this role. I look forward to working with my Board colleagues and the County Manager through the end of December and to this opportunity for public service to our community."

Before her School Board service, she worked in corporate law for 15 years as a legal secretary and assistant. She used these skills to support Arlington Public Schools, students, and young professionals through committees, commissions, and related organizations, such as the School and County Boards' jointly appointed Community Facilities Study Committee and as Vice Chair of the Advisory Council on Instruction.

“Tannia’s commitment to public service is evident in her day-to-day work, in her extensive experience, and in her ongoing involvement with Arlington County,” said U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA). “I’m proud to see Tannia step up to fill this vacancy on the Arlington County Board and have no doubt that her strong leadership skills, deep ties to the community, and hardworking disposition will serve her well in this temporary role.” 

Ms. Talento has also served on multiple nonprofit boards and participated with various community organizations in Arlington and was a founding member and active steering committee member of the Arlington Schools Hispanic Parents Association (ASHPA) and on the Arlington Civic Federation's Task Force in Governance and Election Reform (TiGER).

"Ms. Talento will make an excellent addition to the Arlington County Board, if only in an interim capacity," Chair Christian Dorsey said. "Having navigated APS through many difficult and important decisions, advocating and organizing for numerous local causes, and now working as regional director for Senator Warner—Ms. Talento brings a wealth of experience and insight to the Board. We are very fortunate to have her serve alongside us for the remainder of the year." 

Visit Ms. Talento's Board Member Webpage