Meet Ken Balbuena
Ken has a varied background that helps him relate to many within the Braddock District. There are many random facts about Ken, and he is especially proud of surviving a brain aneurysm in 2017.
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Professionally, he has ~25 years of work experience leading marketing and communications initiatives for the United States Navy, higher education institutions, and faith-based nonprofits. He also worked for a Big Four consulting firm for three years and continues to work in the federal consulting space. Ken earned a Master’s of Public Administration degree (with a specialization in state and local government) from Braddock’s very own George Mason University and also earned an add-on graduate certificate in nonprofit management. He completed the Braddock District’s Neighborhood College program in 2015 to better understand County operations in order to provide enhanced leadership to his community.
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Ken is originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and is the child of an immigrant who joined the United States Navy. He married his college sweetheart, Kristy, in 2003, and they have two daughters in the Annandale High School pyramid. They are both super active in their community. His mother’s advocacy to install neighborhood streetlights when he was a child inspired Ken to lead by example when he became a parent. Making his neighborhood as best as it can be for his daughters is a top motivator for Ken’s community involvement, and now he is asking for your vote as the next Braddock District Supervisor to help put People Before Politics.
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Ken’s community leadership roles make him qualified to be the next Braddock District Supervisor because of his demonstrated commitment to civic engagement, education, and county and community development.
Elect Ken as Braddock District Supervisor in the Special Election on December 9th!
Civic Engagement
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Civic Association President: Ken served in this capacity for four years and continues to support the board as a committee chair. During his terms, his advocacy helped to restore Metro Bus service that was set to be cut, defeat the unpopular Residential Studio Unit proposal that provided too many loop holes for developers to disrupt neighborhoods, and develop an overall sense of resident engagement that was recognized by the Fairfax Federation in 2016 when Ken was awarded the Citation of Merit award, which “recognize[s] and honor[s] Fairfax residents whose voluntary contributions of time and talent resulted in major accomplishments that enhance the quality of life in our County.” After receiving the Federation’s award, Congressman Gerry Connolly entered Ken into the Congressional Record.
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Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink Member: Former Chairman Sharon Bulova invited Ken to participate on this task force that reviewed County actions related to the decision not to dredge this beloved lake shared by the Braddock and Franconia Districts while also providing recommendations for the Board of Supervisors to consider. Ken’s contributions to the task force included a 36-page analysis of the survey administered by County staff and insights into the value of Lake Accotink.
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Barbara Varon Volunteer Award Selection Committee: Ken served on this committee for 12 years, which recognizes a Fairfax County resident focused on improving the community through volunteer service and participation in the electoral process. He was appointed by both Chairman Sharon Bulova and Chairman Jeff McKay.
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Fairfax County Consolidated Community Funding Pool Selection Advisory Committee Member: Ken’s work on this committee involved reviewing and selecting recipients for County funding benefiting “human services programs developed and administered by nonprofits and community-based organizations.” He was asked to serve on this committee by current Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
Education
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PTA President: Ken served as President-elect and then President during the pandemic. His theme for his presidency was “Building Resilient Individuals Through Engaging Collaboration.” Under his leadership, North Springfield Elementary School received the School of Excellence designation from the National PTA with the adoption of a school transition toolkit designed to help rising kindergarten and military families start strong, AAP families understand their options between the local Level IV school and the APP centers, and rising middle school families prepare for matriculating upwards. Only 242 schools nationally received this designation during his term as president with only 4 coming from Fairfax County.
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Chair of the FCPS Adult and Community Education Advisory Committee: Ken was on this committee as the Braddock District appointee for four years, three of which were as committee chair. He led a survey that helped to determine student needs for in-person vs. virtual instruction, which was crucial coming out of the pandemic-induced 100% virtual learning. Ken’s leadership helped the ACE program with programming, increased funding, fiscal responsibility, marketing, and strategic planning. He was appointed by Braddock School Board Member Megan McLaughlin.
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FCPS Superintendent's Business and Community Advisory Council (BCAC): Ken was the Northern Virginia Community College representative to this advisory council where he advised both Superintendent Jack Dale and Superintendent Karen Garza on helping FCPS to stay relevant to the community's needs through their curriculum. Dr. Garza also utilized BCAC significantly during the development of the Portrait of a Graduate framework.
County and Community Development
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Visit Fairfax: Ken co-chaired the Marketing Committee and helped to advance the tourism industry that has a $3.6 billion economic impact in Fairfax County. During his time on the board, Visit Fairfax opposed the proposed Meals Tax that was defeated through a voter referendum. Ken was appointed by Braddock District Supervisor John Cook
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Belong!: Ken is a current board member on this Vienna-based nonprofit that provides mentoring to underserved children and youth. His current efforts have supported an update to child safety protocols, fundraising, and data analysis to demonstrate the program’s success.
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Youth Sports Coach: Ken has coached both of his daughters’ recreational basketball teams through the Braddock Road Youth Club. He was an assistant coach for six years before stepping up to be a head coach in his final year.
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Catholic Faith Formation Catechist: Ken leveraged his role as the Director of Communications at a local Catholic organization as well as his membership in the Knights of Columbus to serve parents at his Catholic parish in the Braddock District, so they can better supplement their children's CCD education.
Ken’s dedication to serving the committee highlights his commitment to putting people before politics. His leadership is needed on the Board of Supervisors as the next Braddock District Supervisor.
Random Facts About Ken
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Third degree black belt in the Chuck Norris System
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Supported two U.S. Presidential visits to different work locations
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Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus
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Licensed DC tour guide
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Survived a brain aneurysm in 2017, crediting his Catholic faith as a huge part of his survival and speedy recovery