RESTON, VA – The Reston Community Center (RCC) Board of Governors has renamed its theatre to honor longtime executive director and arts supporter, Leila Gordon. The state-of-the-art 260-seat venue known as the CenterStage will now be called The Leila Gordon Theatre. RCC hosts national and local authors, artists, dancers, musicians, thought leaders and more for an intimate arts experience featuring performers from around the world and right next door. Following their evening show on Saturday, October 5, the Reduced Shakespeare Company and RCC’s Board of Governors Vice Chair, Bill Bouie, surprised Gordon with the announcement of the new name.
“The Board of Governors thought that it was only proper and fitting that they bestow this honor on Leila. She has been the heartbeat of RCC and the community for more than 40 years and this cements her legacy forever in the space that she loves so much,” said Bouie. Bev Cosham, RCC Chair noted, “Leila’s spirit will now forever be associated with this home for the arts in Reston.”
Gordon came to RCC in September 1983 as a part-time employee overseeing the development of the community center’s arts education offerings. She went on to direct the agency’s performing arts portfolio in 1984. RCC initially supported the community’s local nonprofit arts endeavors and artists in its theatre space. Leila’s insight into how that interest could be fostered and grown led to the expansion of technical and administrative staffing, presenting professional touring artists and the incorporation of specialized visual arts studios at RCC Lake Anne (opened in 1999 and expanded in 2009), as well as bringing visiting artists into Reston schools.
The theatre was named “the CenterStage” in 1999 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Reston Community Center’s opening. Beginning in 2005, Gordon added RCC’s community events calendar to her scope of responsibilities. Her appointment as executive director occurred in April 2008. Enabling access to the best arts and enrichment experiences for everyone is the cornerstone of her management philosophy.
Leveraging her knowledge, she became a strong advocate for the work of ArtsFairfax (formally known as The Arts Council of Fairfax County) and its constituent arts organizations. Leila joined its Board of Directors in 2008 and was named chair of the Fairfax County Master Arts Plan Task Force in 2011. Following 12 years of study, needs analysis, land use research and expanding development potential for arts amenities in Fairfax County, the Board of Supervisors officially accepted the Task Force’s “Fairfax County Master Arts Plan for Facilities” in July 2023.
That same year, RCC partnered with the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) to investigate the feasibility of accepting 60,000 square feet of developable space in the BXP Reston Town Center project for a comprehensive arts center. Adding such an amenity to the community’s public facilities portfolio has been a priority for RCC and the County to provide for the needs of both arts organizations and audiences. The proffer was formally accepted by the Board of Supervisors in January 2023.
When Gordon announced her retirement, she and the Board maintained that RCC’s priorities, operational standards and relationship to a growing community would continue at the highest levels of quality and professionalism. From strategic planning to program delivery to re-accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), they have worked to ensure a smooth transition to its next era of building community in Reston. BeBe Nguyen, RCC’s former deputy director, has been chosen to succeed Leila as RCC’s Executive Director. Nguyen, who assumed the role in September 2024, brings a wealth of experience and her unique perspective to the position, auguring a bright future for this vital community institution.
When asked to describe her legacy in a single word, Leila Gordon’s response was: “love.” Her love for Reston, her job, and RCC’s impact on people’s lives is evident. “I found my life’s purpose here,” she said. “The years have flown by and the opportunity to work with and serve people who are passionate about inclusion, the arts, good health and well-being has given me great joy.”
The Leila Gordon Theatre signage design will be unveiled upon Gordon’s retirement in December 2024 and the new name will inaugurate the beginning of the next arts season in September 2025.
About Reston Community Center
Reston Community Center provides a wide range of programs in aquatics, arts, enrichment and lifelong learning for all ages. RCC creates and sustains community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals enjoyed by all of Reston. In 2024, RCC celebrates 45 years of enriching lives and building community.
Enriching Lives. Building Community.
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