The River District Association (RDA) today announced the appointment of Tina Leone, CPA, CGMA, as its new executive director, effective Monday, Jan. 26, following an extensive search. Leone will lead the organization’s work to continue transforming Danville’s River District into a welcoming, lively place for all while advancing social and economic development across the greater Dan River Region.
Leone brings more than 25 years of leadership and financial management experience in nonprofit, downtown and economic development organizations. Her role as chief executive officer of the Ballston Business Improvement District (BID) in Arlington, VA, closely aligns with the work she will lead at RDA. At Ballston BID, Leone provided founding leadership from the BID’s inception and established it as a regional driver of economic development, branding and community-building. Under her leadership, Ballston BID earned multiple national and international awards for marketing, placemaking, and public relations, while launching innovative programs such as BallstonGives, large-scale public art initiatives, and award‑winning events that attracted tens of thousands of attendees each year.
Prior to her tenure at Ballston BID, Leone served as president and CEO of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, where she led a successful turnaround that stabilized finances, increased membership and re-established the Chamber as a leading business advocate. She also served as CEO and CFO of the Lorton Arts Foundation, where she helped transform a former prison into the nationally recognized Workhouse Arts Center through complex adaptive reuse, innovative financing and multimillion‑dollar fundraising.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, RDA is thrilled to welcome Tina Leone as our next executive director,” said Emma Lugar Sellers, president of the River District Association Board of Directors. “Tina has a proven track record of leading downtown and business improvement organizations through transformative growth, fostering strong public–private partnerships, and elevating communities on the regional and national stage. Her experience launching successful placemaking initiatives, supporting entrepreneurs and advocating for business will be invaluable as we build on the momentum in Danville’s River District and across the Dan River Region.”
“I am honored to join the River District Association and to work alongside the board, staff, City of Danville, and community partners who have already achieved so much in revitalizing this historic downtown,” said Tina Leone, incoming executive director of the River District Association. “The progress in Danville is inspiring—from being recognized as an All‑America City to the national attention RDA has received as a Great American Main Street—and I am excited to help write the next chapter of this success story.”
“As executive director, my focus will be on listening deeply, strengthening relationships, and championing inclusive economic opportunity for residents, entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the River District and the greater Dan River Region,” said Leone. “Drawing on my experience with the Ballston BID and other community‑driven organizations, I look forward to advancing RDA’s mission, growing innovative programs, and ensuring that everyone can share in Danville’s growing quality of life.”
The Board of Directors would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to Alyssa Turner, RDA’s interim executive director, and RDA’s dedicated staff, Lashawn Farmer, director of design and expansion, and Shane Brogden, director of promotions and communications, for their leadership and commitment during this time of transition. In this work, continuity and trust matter deeply, and their steady presence ensured that the organization’s mission remained strong and relationships with downtown stakeholders, businesses, and community members not only stayed intact, but deepened. Their commitment and teamwork throughout this period speak to the strength of the organization and its shared investment in the future of our
community.