Richard L. Fisher
Dick Fisher | |
|---|---|
| Born | Richard Leland Fisher 16 September 1947 Olney, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | 27 August 2012 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, energy industry executive, military officer |
| Years active | 1971–2008 |
| Known for | Member of the Virginia House of Delegates (1990–1997); Vice President of Operations at Washington Gas Light Company; Chief of Staff at US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services |
Richard Leland "Dick" Fisher (September 16, 1947 – August 27, 2012) was a notable American politician and energy industry leader based in Virginia. From 1990 until 1997, he represented Northern Virginia's 35th district in the Virginia House of Delegates and previously served a four-year term on the Vienna town council. Fisher dedicated nearly three decades to the Washington Gas Light Company, concluding his career as vice president of operations, and also spent several years serving in the United States Army Reserve.
Education and career
In 1971, Fisher graduated with a bachelor's degree in business management from Virginia Commonwealth University. His military service included operating an LCM-8 landing craft in the Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Specialist 7. His professional tenure at Washington Gas Light Company spanned from 1971 to 2000, culminating in his retirement as vice president of operations. Later, between 2006 and 2008, Fisher held the position of Chief of Staff at the US Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services.
Electoral politics
Fisher’s entry into politics began with appointments to various planning and safety commissions before his election to the Vienna Town Council in 1985. Serving until 1989, he championed projects such as sidewalk development, recycling initiatives, and implementing a sales tax on meals and lodging.
In the 1989 election, Fisher secured the Republican nomination for the open seat in Virginia’s 35th district and defeated Democrat David H. Battaglia with a narrow majority of 51%. His legislative agenda emphasized support for children with special needs—successfully enacting legislation to ensure fair class sizes for students with mild mental disabilities—oversight of the massage therapy sector, and backing transportation improvements including Northern Virginia rail services and George Mason University. Fisher stepped down from his delegate role in November 1996 due to scheduling conflicts between his legislative responsibilities and his full-time job.
Personal life
Born on September 16, 1947, in Olney, Maryland, Fisher was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Fisher. He earned his business management degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1971.
His military service involved commanding a landing craft as part of the U.S. Army Reserves’ 464th Medium Boat Company, 97th Arcom, First Army, primarily based out of Alexandria.
Fisher passed away from a heart attack on August 27, 2012. He is survived by his wife Tina Linden Fisher; five children; four grandchildren; as well as a brother and nephew.