Longtime RACSB Chief Ron Branscome to Retire

After more than three decades at the helm, the executive director of the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board is calling it quits.

But not just yet.

Ron Branscome announced earlier this week at a Board of Directors meeting he will retire June 30, 2017, at the end of the current fiscal year.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of the public mental health and developmental services system,” Branscome said in a release. “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. I look forward to the continued evolution of services as a community member.”

RACSB programs and services have expanded greatly since Branscome began his tenure in 1983, according to the release.

To meet Virginia’s objective to provide more community-based services as an alternative to institutions, under Branscome’s leadership the RACSB has built five outpatient clinics and day support sites as well as 15 residential programs including The Sunshine Lady House for Mental Health Wellness and Recovery.

Of the 40 Community Services Boards in Virginia, he is the longest tenured Executive Director with 33 years in the position.