Frank Fannon's roots in Alexandria run deep. His great-grandfather, T.J. Fannon, arrived in Alexandria and founded T.J. Fannon and Sons in 1885 with a $500 loan from a local businessman named Frank Harper—Frank's namesake. What began as a coal and lumber depot has grown into the oldest 100-percent family-owned business in Greater Washington, now specializing in home heating and air conditioning and still operated by the Fannon family.
Frank is a fourth-generation Alexandrian and the third member of his family to be elected to Alexandria City Council. His uncle, T.J. Fannon III, was the third-generation owner of the family business and was named a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2008.
"I have always been proud of Alexandria and was very fortunate to be born in such a great community," Frank has said. "I was raised to be civic-minded and to always contribute and give back to our fellow citizens."
Frank has worked as a professional mortgage banker for over three decades, helping families across the region achieve their dreams of homeownership. He spent 25 years at SunTrust Mortgage, beginning in the early 1990s following his graduation from Elon College with a degree in corporate communications.
"I was lucky to find a good career," Frank has said of his work in real estate—a field that holds personal meaning for him. His ancestors in Ireland were not permitted to own property, making homeownership a deeply valued part of the Fannon family story.
Frank's commitment to Alexandria extends far beyond his professional life. For nearly two decades, he has organized "Alexandrians Have Heart," an annual food and clothing drive held over Valentine's Day weekend. The drive benefits local charities including Christ House, ALIVE! Food Bank, and Carpenter's Shelter. In 2020 alone, the drive filled three truckloads of food and clothing and raised $2,400 in cash donations.
Frank currently serves as President of the Alexandria Aces, a collegiate summer baseball team affiliated with Major League Baseball and a member of the Cal Ripken League. The Aces play on the same field where Frank, as a ten-year-old in the 1970s, used to take the city bus to watch the minor league Alexandria Dukes. "On summer nights, the baseball games will be a great gathering place," Frank has said.
His leadership roles in the community are extensive:
In recognition of his lifetime of service, Frank was named a Living Legend of Alexandria in 2020.
"He does it as a community service," said Florence King, a 2018 Living Legend, of Frank's volunteer work. "The 'Alexandrians Have Heart' food and clothing drive wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Frank Fannon. He has compassion."
Frank was elected to the Alexandria City Council in 2009 and served until 2012. He is the third member of the Fannon family to hold a seat on Council.
Now, Frank is running to return to City Council in the April 21, 2026 special election.
Frank believes Alexandria City Council needs an independent voice—someone willing to ask tough questions, challenge groupthink, and put residents first.
His priorities include:
"City Council needs someone who will say what needs to be said, frankly, whether it's popular or not," Frank has said. "I'm ready to be that voice."
Frank is a lifelong resident of Alexandria and currently lives in the Clover-College Park neighborhood. He is an avid sports fan and remains deeply connected to the community where his family has lived and worked for nearly 140 years.