Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) Executive Director Ronald W. “Ron” Branscome announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2017.
With 33 years in the position, Branscome is the longest tenured executive director of the 40 community services boards in Virginia.
“RACSB programs and services have expanded greatly since Branscome began his tenure as executive director in 1983,” said Linda Ball, chairperson of the RACSB Board of Directors. “To meet Virginia’s objective to provide more community-based services as an alternative to institutions, Branscome led RACSB in building five outpatient clinics and day support sites, and 15 residential programs, including The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the public mental health and developmental services system,” Branscome said. “Community Services Boards serve some of the most vulnerable citizens in our community. It is challenging work, and the RACSB staff do an exceptional job.”
The RACSB Board of Directors has formed a search committee to work with an executive search firm. They will seek input from RACSB staff members, community partners, and stakeholders regarding the desired qualifications and characteristics for the next executive director. The Board expects to make a decision in early 2017.
Branscome began his employment at RACSB in 1976 as the director of Mental Retardation Services, now known as Developmental Services. He was named the 1982 Employee of the Year of the now Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
In 2003, Branscome received the Advocate Award by the Association of Retarded Citizens – Rappahannock, as well as the Rappahannock United Way’s David A. Langford Volunteer of the Year Award. In 2005, he received the Community Service Award presented by the Mount Olive Baptist Church. He served as the 2006 Rappahannock United Way Campaign Chair, which raised more than $2.8 million to support 35 non-profit human service organizations. He is the immediate past Board Chair of the Rappahannock United Way, and he serves on the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees. Branscome is a member of the Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Rotary.
Branscome received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Towson State College and graduate degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife, Mary Jane, live in Stafford County and have two children.
Founded in 1970, the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) provides public mental health, developmental disability, substance abuse, and prevention/early intervention services to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. To learn more, visit www.racsb.state.va.us
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