Month: May 2023

NEWS
May 24, 2023

Seeds of Collaboration were Planted During TCA’s Cherry Tree Planting 

On May 6th, Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) collaborated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival (NCBF), and members of the community to plant 17 cherry blossom trees in Tysons.  

With the help of trained volunteers from Casey Trees, an official partner of NCBF, saplings were planted along the Cityline Partners’ property near Scotts Run and on the Tysons Corner Center side of the I-495 pedestrian bridge. These trees are the first of their kind in Tysons.

Pictured are volunteers planting cherry blossom trees in Tysons.  

During the event, TCA held an official ceremony to commemorate the planting.  

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the National Cherry Blossom Festival,” said Interim CEO of TCA Rich Bradley at the ceremony. “The Alliance was formed, in part, to engage the community and build lasting relationships with organizations like the Festival. Through this partnership, we are able to provide a point of connection between Tysons and the greater DC region.” 

The cherry blossom tree, as well as NCBF, represent unity and have a rich cultural history. Bringing that symbolism and spirit to Tysons will make a lasting impact on the community for generations to come. 

“Cherry blossoms symbolize new beginnings,” said National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew. “We look forward to continuing to work together to bring the joy of the cherry blossoms and the Festival to this wonderful community.” 

Pictured, from left to right, are Interim CEO of Tysons Community Alliance Rich Bradley and National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew. 

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is a beloved event with a history that goes back over a century. In 1912, Japan gifted the United States cherry blossom trees to honor the budding friendship between the two nations. Each year, as cherry blossom trees bloom, the Festival enlivens the region with countless parades, performances and other festivities that bring people from all over the world together. 

Pictured is the official plaque marking the tree planting. 

This monumental tree planting is a testament to what can be achieved when TCA collaborates with organizations to create a sense of community in Tysons. 

“The planting of cherry trees serves as a symbol of Tysons’ continued transformation into an inclusive, urban destination within the region and around the world,” said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik. “It is through partnerships like the one between Tysons Community Alliance and the Festival, that will make our community blossom.” 

After the ceremony, TCA board members and staff, Fairfax County officials and NCBF staff shoveled dirt around one of the 17 trees.

Pictured, from left to right, are Joe Mondero, TCA board member, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Interim CEO of Tysons Community Alliance Rich Bradley, Managing Director of Cityline Partners Tasso Flocos, Fairfax County School Board Member Karl Frisch, and National Cherry Blossom Festival President Diana Mayhew. 

TCA is hopeful that these trees will not only add to the beauty of Tysons, but also help create a sense of collaboration and unity among community members. As these young cherry blossom trees continue to grow and flourish, so shall the Tysons community. 

NEWS
May 2, 2023

Tysons Community Alliance Board Selects Katie Cristol as its new Chief Executive Officer

May 2, 2023

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MEDIA: Karyn Le Blanc, 

M: 202-497-4572 or karyn@tysonsva.org

or karyn.leblanc@kglcommunications.com

Tysons Community Alliance Board Selects Katie Cristol as its new Chief Executive Officer 

TYSONS LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATION SELECTS FORMER ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD MEMBER

Tysons, VA – Tysons Community Alliance has selected Katie Cristol to lead the organization as its first permanent Chief Executive Officer. Cristol will start with TCA on July 5, 2023, taking the reins from Acting CEO Richard Bradley who has been in the post since November 2021 leading efforts in the establishment and launch of the new community improvement district. Cristol announced in 2022 she would not seek reelection for another term on the Arlington County Board after her second term concluded this year. Cristol has served on the Board since November 2015 and served as its Chair in 2018 and 2021. 

“We are thrilled to have Katie Cristol as the new CEO for the Tysons Community Alliance,” said TCA Chair Josh White. “Katie has a proven track record of championing inclusivity, collaboration and community engagement. She is a well-respected leader and consummate professional with experience in catalyzing communities and urban management planning efforts in transportation, sustainability and economic development. We are thrilled to have her leading the organization as we continue to progress our work at the TCA and for Tysons.”    

“I am honored to be selected by the Tysons Community Alliance Board, and truly look forward to doing the work I love in our dynamic Northern Virginia region.” said Cristol. “I’m compelled by the organization’s focus on community building and inclusive, equitable economic growth, along with its vision for Tysons as a thriving regional downtown. Particularly exciting to me is how the TCA has already brought together the private and public sector and created a foundation of collaborative partnership on which to build. In the months ahead, we’ll be growing the efforts already underway in coalition building and strategic planning, while starting to deliver tactical results and improvements for the Tysons community.” 

Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik who championed for a community-based improvement district to be inclusive of residents, businesses and the public sector was equally pleased with the selection. She stated, “Katie Cristol will bring the necessary energy and broad approach to the TCA. She is an organized and strategic leader who knows how to move the needle to get key initiatives across the finish line. Her enthusiasm and ability to push projects forward within a collaborative environment will serve Tysons and the TCA well. We are thrilled to have her serve as the TCA’s new CEO.”

Cristol is a recognized leader in the region. In addition to serving on the Arlington County Board for eight years, she served on numerous boards including the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission where she also served as Chair. Additionally, she has served in leadership roles in the Virginial Municipal League, The Virginia Railway Express Operations Board and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Human Services Policy Committee. She is a strong advocate for affordable housing, racial equity and women’s issues. She holds a public policy master’s degree from Princeton University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia.

Cristol comes to the TCA as the organization is moving forward with key initiatives including a strategic plan, a market research study, and placemaking activation planning. The TCA has a full load of events it has already hosted with more in the works including its inaugural May Music Month at The Boro along with a planned summer music series and its popular monthly Connector Happy Hours. For more information on these events and others happening in Tysons visit tysonsva.org/events. 

____________________________  

About Tysons Community Alliance

Tysons Community Alliance is a non-profit organization founded to promote economic and social development in the Tysons area. TCA actively works to foster collaboration and partnerships between members of the local business community, local residents, government, and non-profit organizations.  

To learn more about TCA visit our website tysonsva.org, or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. If you are interested in joining our mission to further transform Tysons into a vibrant, dynamic urban center, please contact info@tysonsva.org.