The Leadership Fairfax Board of Directors today announced it will begin a search for the next CEO of Northern Virginia’s premier leadership development organization. Current Chief Executive, Karen Cleveland, recently informed the Board that she intends to transition to a new chapter after an incredibly successful eight-year tenure at Leadership Fairfax.
“Under Karen’s leadership, LFI has been integral to developing the County’s next generation of leaders, leaving an imprint on our community that will be felt for years to come,” said Cynthia Bailey (LFI Class of 2018), Chair of the Leadership Fairfax board. “Leadership Fairfax flourished and is in a stronger position thanks to Karen’s passion for community engagement. Through this transition LFI will continue to serve as a guiding light for building and sustaining an inclusive, equitable, and connected community in which everyone can thrive.”
Cleveland was serving on the Leadership Fairfax Board in 2015 when she stepped down to accept the role as CEO of the nonprofit organization. At the time, she said her intent was to guide LFI for a couple of years as it sought to implement a new strategic plan. Cleveland (LFI Class of 2005) was head of Cleveland Coaching Group, her own leadership and consulting practice, prior to taking the helm at Leadership Fairfax.
Before that, she was CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia and formerly was the first CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. “This is an incredibly difficult decision as I remain so committed to our programs, our alumni, our faculty, and our many partners,” Cleveland said. “Much like the timing when I took over, I see this as an inflection point for Leadership Fairfax after working with our Board last year to adopt a new, bold strategic plan, creating Leadership Fairfax 2.0 if you will, that will put us in an even stronger position to impact the opportunities and challenges affecting Fairfax County and the region.”
Read the full release here: Leadership Fairfax CEO Search Press Release.pdf
