Julie Rasmussen
MCLEAN, VA – Julie Rasmussen, executive director of the McLean Community Center, said Thursday afternoon that increasing family responsibilities led her to resign her high-paying post.
She gave the board no advance warning before her public announcement Wednesday night, she said, because, “Several board members were aware of the family situation. I thought it most appropriate to try to tell everyone of my decision at one time, so the full monthly board meeting seemed the logical choice. ”
At that meeting, Rasmussen gave no reason for the surprise resignation from her $115,000- a-year post. David Sanders, the board chair, adjourned the meeting. The board then met with Rasmussen in executive session.
It is highly unusual for an executive director to announce their resignation in public and surprise their board.
“I knew that Julie had been going through some family issues. I did not know that it had reached the point that she wanted to resign,” Sanders said Thursday morning. “Family always comes first.”
Some board members have been critical of the staff that Rasmussen directs at recent board and committee meetings. They have raised questions about filling positions, why the recent center catalog was late, and why minutes were not given to members before meetings.
The MCC board which runs the taxpayer-financed McLean Community Center, hired Rasmussen less than two years ago in June 2008 after the departure of the previous executive director earlier in 2008. Rasmussen was formerly chief of capital development and park operations for the city of Alexandria.
Her biggest accomplishment. “There are many, but one of my favorites is the newly created adult community dance now held twice a year. The reception of this program by the public has been outstanding; our residents appear to especially appreciate the orchestra, large dance floor, and opportunity to socialize with fellow residents of McLean,” she said.
“We are all sad that Julie’s leaving,” Sanders said. “She’s a very intelligent, very talent person. It’s always hard to lose an intelligent and talented leader. . . The board will miss her talent and energy.”
The board needs to decide who will lead the center and how it will look for a new executive director.
McLean Community Center
The 11-member elected MCC board oversees the center’s $17 million budget. MCC offers a continuing program of activities for adults and children, including an array of classes, lectures, study tours, camps, art exhibits, theater performances, and specialty shows. The MCC houses the Alden Theater.
Also, the Center sponsors McLean Day at Lewinsville Park May 15 and the 4th of July Fireworks at Langley High School. It also runs the Old Firehouse Teen Center in downtown McLean.
The McLean Ear 