We are filled with pride and gratitude for the exceptional team members who have dedicated many years of service to RCC and Fairfax County. We celebrate three outstanding staff members whose positive contributions have advanced our mission and enriched our workplace culture and the community.
These long-serving staff members have responded to a few questions, sharing their career and personal journeys with us.
LEILA GORDON – 41 Years at RCC
Leila was introduced to RCC by her then sister-in-law in 1983. Starting as the “Class Coordinator” for the Performing Arts Department, she essentially managed all the RCC performing arts classes for youth, teens and adults. In April 1984, after the departure of RCC’s first Performing Arts Director, she was made the acting director and was selected for that position in July 1984.
As a young person, Leila “fell in love with the theatre. Then I fell in love with the theatre at RCC – and then fell in love with RCC and Reston, and the rest as they say, is history.” Leila served as Executive Director of RCC from 2008 and retired in December 2024.
What was your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of working at RCC was problem-solving. The beauty of Reston values is that those values led to the establishment of a tax district solely dedicated to (essentially) making people healthy, happy and wise. That resource gave us the means to be responsive and creative as we fulfilled our mission, and most importantly, whenever we had to meet challenges. Creatively solving problems and addressing challenges or crises when they arose always made my heart sing.
I am so proud to be part of a community institution that means so much to people. I honestly believe that Reston wouldn’t be so beloved and cherished by its people if it weren’t for what RCC provides.
What is your favorite memory of working at RCC?
The night we celebrated the documentary film about Reston and the 100th birthday of Bob Simon is a cherished memory among literally thousands of great memories. That evening was a perfect intertwining of the community, its history, its founder and the many people who helped make Reston – Reston, and the vital need for RCC as a catalyst for putting all those incredible ingredients together.
I can also say that in my life, the birth of my son, Tom, and my marriage to Robert are favorite memories and both involve RCC! I went into labor with Tom while in my office and it continued through a senior staff meeting. When Robert and I got married, our wedding reception was in the RCC Community Room – which we had to vacate at midnight so it could be reset for the South Lakes High School Prom Breakfast being held there starting at 2:00 a.m.
What three words best describe you?
Creative, tenacious, loving.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
Despite having little to no athletic ability, I have a daredevil streak. I’ve sky dived. Zip lined. Snorkeled in the Pacific. Tried to waterski. (I never was able to stand up, but I also wouldn’t let go of the handle – until they literally stopped the boat!)
What has surprised you about life in retirement?
Sleeping.
WARREN BAILEY – 40 years with Fairfax County
Warren, originally from Northern Virginia, relocated to Iowa for school and decided to stay there to begin his family and career. However, after meeting his future supervisor at a conference, he discovered a job opening at the Human Rights Commission in Fairfax County. Taking a leap of faith, he moved his family back to Fairfax County in 1984 to investigate discrimination complaints.
Warren retired from the Human Rights Commission in 2012 to dedicate more time to volunteering. Living close to RCC, he had celebrated graduations and family milestones there. He was thrilled to learn about a part-time position in RCC’s Customer Service department, which would allow him to engage with his community while also providing the flexibility to spend more time volunteering.
What makes you proud to be part of RCC?
You can always tell who your true friends are by those who stand by you in times of need. RCC has consistently been there for many people. We – the staff and the community – are RCC, and we show up for each other. RCC supported me when I needed it and RCC plays a vital role in making Reston a welcoming home for everyone.
What is your favorite story from your time working with Fairfax County?
One thing the directors of both agencies I worked for had in common was a flair for announcing Outstanding Performance Awards. They would ask you to come to their office for a meeting with the papers hidden in their briefcase.
Well, one time, the day before I was leaving on vacation to go visit my mother-in-law in Alabama, my supervisor called me into his office to give my team OPAs. At that time, an OPA came with a check for $1,000. Talk about good timing!
What is something you learned at RCC?
I worked at the pool at RCC for a time and that’s where I learned to swim. The whole Aquatics department cheered me on, sent me videos and gave me tips. After gaining confidence in the water, I used to spend hours swimming.
Outside of RCC, what brings you joy?
There are three main things: 1) my worship, 2) my family and 3) my golf.
KEVIN DANAHER – 25 years at RCC
Kevin and his wife, Cheri, were working in regional theatre – and were even married onstage at the Wells Theatre in Norfolk, Virginia! As they began to plan for the future, they were seeking careers that would allow them to live the life they wanted – “a family, a reasonably comfortable life and a car that was reliable and fun to drive.”
Kevin saw that a new Assistant Technical Director position advertised at the Reston Community Center and went for it. In 1990, Kevin was hired, so they packed up and moved to Reston. Kevin left RCC in 1992, working for other theatre organizations in the area, but came back to RCC in 1999 to be closer to home to more equitably share in parental responsibilities. Kevin served as the Assistant Theatre Technical Director until 2008, the Community Events Director from 2008 to 2022 and currently serves as the Leisure and Learning Director.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The impact we have on the community. It is so rewarding and validating when I see kids, families, adults and seniors at our programs enjoying themselves. There is nothing better than bringing joy to the lives of our community members.
What’s a fun fact about you that people might not know?
I am pretty nerdy and geek out on a number of things. For example, I love airplanes, which goes back to my childhood. My dad worked for Trans World Airlines (TWA) from the time I was in first grade until it was acquired by American Airlines in 2001. Because of this, I had the opportunity to travel for free throughout my childhood, and my dad and I spent a lot of time geeking out over airplanes.
As a kid, I even got to visit the TWA Overhaul Base in Kansas City, where aircraft were brought in for maintenance and repair. It was incredible to see large planes like 747s and L-1011s up close. I also have an app on my phone that tracks most airplanes around the world, and I enjoy watching planes fly over Reston on their way to Dulles Airport. I’ve become pretty skilled at identifying planes by their sounds before I see them or check my flight app.
Other than working at RCC, what makes you the happiest?
My kids, who are grown now, make me the happiest. I love spending time with them and have so many happy memories from when they were growing up and becoming the kind, creative and wonderful people they are today.
What’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?
I like to go to the Lake Anne Brew House on Friday night, play with our dogs and geek out on airplanes, music and math.
Length of Service Awards
In 2024, 1,257 employees celebrated significant service milestones and on April 3, Fairfax County hosted its service awards where it recognized 541 individuals who achieved 20 or more years of dedicated service to Fairfax County. Leila, Warren and Kevin – thank you for your outstanding commitment and invaluable contributions to our community!
