Tysons Community Alliance CEO resigns

Tysons Community Alliance CEO Katie Cristol is resigning from the organization and expected Friday to be her last day.

Cristol is leaving to “pursue new professional opportunities,” according to a Wednesday news release from the community development nonprofit. Drew Sunderland, TCA’s vice president of strategy and research, will serve as interim CEO.

Cristol stepped down from the Arlington County Board of Supervisors to lead the TCA as its first permanent CEO in 2023. The TCA replaced the Tysons Partnership in 2022 to focus on economic and social development in the area.

She informed the TCA Board of Directors of her resignation in a letter last week.

“Tysons‘ story is still being told,” she wrote. “It’s been an honor to join you for this chapter, and I will be eagerly rooting for your continued success.”

During Cristol’s tenure, the TCA expanded its placemaking initiatives, partnered with the business community and advanced destination marketing efforts, the TCA said in a news release. In her letter to the board, Cristol highlighted accomplishments including the TCA’s debut of data platforms, public works like wayfinding and public art, and the doubling of its grant program.

TCA Board chair David Schneider said in a statement: “We are grateful for Katie’s leadership and the strong foundation she leaves behind. Her work helped position TCA as a key convener of public and private partners working together to shape Tysons’ future.”

Sunderland is the longest-serving staff member across the TCA and its predecessor, according to a news release. He led the development of the Tysons DataHub, an online platform providing data on market conditions, and the Tysons Quarterly Market reports.

“Tysons stands as one of the most important economic centers in the National Capital Region,” Sunderland said in a statement. “I’m honored to step into this role and work with our public and private sector partners to build on the district’s strong momentum and continue positioning Tysons as a vibrant, globally competitive urban center.”

The nonprofit held its Vision Tysons: 2026 Development and Investment Summit last week.