There are new faces at Reston Community Center as RCC has recently filled two key management-level openings.
John Blevins was hired as RCC’s Deputy Director in August of 2018. Cassie Lebron joined RCC as the Director of Lifelong Learning in October of 2018.
Blevins comes to RCC after 30 years with the Arlington County Department of Parks & Recreation, rising through the ranks from the position of camp counselor to becoming the Countywide Services Manager, where he supervised planning, development, implementation and evaluation of countywide Park and Recreation programs and services. In Arlington, he led a staff of 12 full time and 160 temporary employees and served as the departmental staff liaison to the Arlington County Board of Supervisors.
He will work with RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon as the agency looks to expand programs and update systems as RCC moves into its fifth decade. Blevins replaces Tom Ward, who retired in early 2018 after 20 years with RCC.
“John presented a uniquely comprehensive suite of skills and background when he interviewed with us,” said Executive Director Leila Gordon. “He is also excited to help lead an agency where immediate community impact is so apparent and whose patrons are so passionate about their RCC experiences.”
Blevins holds a Bachelor’s of Science and a Master of Education, both in physical education, from East Tennessee State University. He will take on the immediate project of guiding RCC through a 10-month aquatics renovation project in 2019.
“Taking the job at RCC has allowed me to take on new, fun challenges, and the staff here is fantastic,” said Blevins, a Fairfax County native. “It’s been a very positive and enjoyable experience, and I am looking forward to the pool renovation project.”
Cassie Lebron, who holds a master’s degree in psychology, comes to RCC after working in a variety of roles managing programs for older adults in Northern Virginia. She was previously the Assistant Director of the James Lee Senior Center in Fairfax County and the Manager of the Senior Center of Leesburg.
At the Senior Center of Leesburg, a Loudoun County-sponsored facility, Lebron supervised six full-time employees, 30 part-time instructors and more than 100 volunteers. She also planned, developed and maintained activities, events, transportation and meal programs.
At RCC, Lebron will oversee the Lifelong Learning department, which provides programming for adults ages 18 and older. This includes RCC’s many enrichment programs, excursions and technology courses. Additionally, she will work closely with Fitness and Wellness, Collaboration and Outreach, and other Leisure and Learning areas to support the integration of offerings across all ages and interests. The RCC Rides program, pairing volunteer drivers with older adults needing rides to a variety of appointments or commitments, is a significant service offered by RCC that will also be supervised by Ms. Lebron.
“Cassie comes to us with a deep understanding of the diversity of the adult population across all the different age cohorts and interests they represent. We are confident her very successful track record will be a great asset to RCC programming and the patrons we serve,” said Leila Gordon, RCC Executive Director.
Lebron replaces Karen Brutsché, who was promoted to RCC’s Director of Leisure and Learning earlier this year.
Reston Community Center will turn 40 in 2019. RCC has two facilities: RCC Hunters Woods includes the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center and the 290-seat CenterStage, where RCC hosts its Professional Touring Artist Series performances; RCC Lake Anne holds the Jo Ann Rose Gallery, as well as art and fitness studios.
RCC annually offers more than 2,000 positive, self-development experiences that enhance the quality of life for all people living and working in Reston. RCC provides a wide range of programs in arts, aquatics, enrichment and lifelong learning. RCC also creates and sustains community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals. To find the programs or events that are right for you, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
Photo credit: Charlotte Geary/RCC
