Tina Leone, the longtime leader of the Ballston Business Improvement District, is leaving the organization she helped to build.
Leone has been at the helm of the BID for more than a decade, leading the neighborhood through a period of rapid change, including the transformation of Ballston Common Mall to Ballston Quarter. She has also been a regular presence at community events and last year chaired the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.
The BID today announced that Leone is leaving at the end of this month. She was not quoted in the press release, which announced an interim CEO — Cassandra Hanley, who has also led the board of local nonprofit Encore Stage and Studio — and a search for a permanent leader.
The press release is below.
The Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) announces the appointment of Cassandra Hanley as interim CEO, effective July 1. Hanley assumes the role during a transitional period as Tina Leone prepares to depart after more than 12 years of dedicated leadership.
“As we bid farewell to Tina and thank her for her service, we are excited about the future of Ballston with Cassandra’s leadership to guide us through this transition,” said Simon Carney, Senior Vice President, Brookfield Properties and President of the Ballston BID Board of Directors. “Cassandra has a proven track record of leading nonprofit organizations. She is known for her distinct ability to initiate and accomplish strategic plans, aligning with and working alongside boards to plan for future success. We look forward to leveraging her expertise to advance the interests of the Ballston community.”
“I have lived in Arlington for more than 23 years and have experienced Ballston’s evolution firsthand,” said Hanley. “I am excited to guide the BID through this period of transition in the interim role. They have been extremely productive in placemaking, supporting our Ballston businesses and workers and I look forward to continuing those initiatives while bringing even more strategic direction to the team.”
The executive committee and board of directors have initiated the search for a new permanent CEO to lead Ballston into its next evolution phase. The BID and its partners remain steadfast in their mission to foster a vibrant and thriving community in Ballston.
Individuals interested in applying for the CEO position are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Humphrey at the McCormack Group via email at [email protected].
