Woodbridge Supervisor Frank Principi welcomes new chief of staff

Woodbridge District Supervisor Frank Principi announced that Jared Kupiec is joining his team as chief of staff. Kupiec, who worked with Principi during his recent reelection campaign, has more than a decade of government, communications and public relations experience. 

“I welcome the opportunity to support Frank’s vision of New Woodbridge and serve the community,” says Kupiec. “We have a wealth of resources here, from our proximity to the nation’s capital and employment centers to historic landmarks and scenic waterways. I will help to shine a light on these positive attributes while also seeking solutions to the challenges of a growing community.”

A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Kupiec most recently served as a senior community affairs specialist for Watkins Strategies, managing community and public relations outreach for the Interstate Reliability Project, a $220 million, 11-town utility transmission project in Connecticut.

Previously, Kupiec was chief of staff to Hartford, Ct. Mayor Pedro Segarra.  In that position, he led a recruitment effort for a Double-A minor league baseball team and represented the city’s interests in negotiating a new lease agreement for a 15,000 seat entertainment and sports venue.

Kupiec is presently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Economics at Trinity College and coached the Hartford American Legion baseball team for two years.

“With the addition of Jared, the Woodbridge Magisterial District Office gains a seasoned government professional who views public service as a means to enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunity for our residents,” says Principi. “I look forward to working with him to continue the progress I have made in building a New Woodbridge.”

Of Kupiec’s legal troubles following his resignation from the mayor’s office, Principi says he believes in second chances. Kupiec was charged with two misdemeanors for possessing a government vehicle after his employment ended. He paid restitution and completed 100 hours of community service.

Principi was quoted in a news release as saying, “Jared was extremely forthcoming about his experience and how he has grown from it. I’ve had the last few months to work with this talented young man, and to speak with his friends, colleagues and former employers. It is clear to me that he understands the seriousness of his actions and that the experience has heightened his appreciation for the responsibility inherent to civil service. He does not take it lightly.”

“While I regret my actions, I appreciate the lessons that came from that experience,” Kupiec was quoted as saying in the press release. “The months following were filled with much self-reflection. I am dedicated to earning the public trust and serving the residents of Woodbridge.”

The vision of a NewWoodbridge was introduced by Supervisor Frank J. Principi in 2008 and calls for the transformation of the Route 1 corridor through better development, transportation, and neighborhood policy and budget choices that will result in smart growth development, high-paying jobs in Eastern Prince William, expanded roads and transit solutions, and support for neighborhoods, schools, and parks.

The vision is aimed at improving the quality of life of all residents, protect natural resources along the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, and creating a sustainable economic engine for Prince William County.

To learn more, visit http://www.NewWoodbridge.org or call Woodbridge Supervisor Frank J. Principi at 703-792-4646.