The first woman mayor of Charlottesville, Nancy O'Brien has spent the last 16 years working with Republicans, Democrats and Independents, both citizens and local government officials, to find common ground on rural, suburban, and urban issues.

As executive director of the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, she convened the first Council on Sustainability, which identified how to create jobs and accommodate growth while preserving the natural environment of Central Virginia. She also helped form the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development, a regional economic effort. Prior to her work at the Planning District, Nancy was Assistant Director of Housing for Conference Services at the University of Virginia.

For her efforts Nancy has been honored by the Chamber of Commerce with its Paul Goodloe McIntire Award for outstanding community leadership and by the Virginia Women's Forum as the Woman of the Year. She also has been recognized by the Shelter for Help in Emergency and by Omega Psi Phi for outstanding leadership in City Government.

Born in Newark, N.J., Nancy received her education as a Registered Nurse in Boston, Ma. She received her Masters of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Virginia in 1986. Nancy has lived in Charlottesville since 1966. She is married to Francis H. Fife, former Charlottesville Mayor and banker. Nancy has four adult children and three stepchildren. Her son, Craig, and daughter and son-in-law, Kara and Jim Cox, live in Charlottesville.