Rappahannock Area Community Services Board announces that its executive director will retire on June 30, 2022.
Jane McDonald Yaun started working as a residential counselor at RACSB in 1988. In addition to serving in different capacities within RACSB, Yaun has also worked at Snowden at Fredericksburg and for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. She has led Rappahannock Area Community Services Board since 2017.
“It has been challenging and rewarding to serve as Executive Director of Rappahannock Area Community Services Board,” Yaun said. “I have been fortunate to work with many dedicated, compassionate people over the years. From dedicated staff to the individuals and families who come to RACSB for services, I am inspired daily by their strength and resilience.”
Yaun has led the agency through some of the most tumultuous changes in the history of behavioral healthcare and disability services in Virginia. Over the past five years, RACSB has expanded Medication Assisted Treatment services and peer support services, and has expanded permanent supportive housing services for adults with serious mental illness. In addition, the agency continues to respond to the changing state requirements for the delivery of services for people with developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and mental health concerns, while balancing the needs of the region. RACSB’s Prevention Services have also been a leader in education around suicide prevention, opioid use disorder, Mental Health First Aid, and impacts of adverse childhood experiences.
The global pandemic that hit in late 2019 added more hurdles to overcome. “While it is a challenge to navigate a constantly changing landscape and to respond to a pandemic, our work is essential”, Yaun said. “The need for behavioral health and developmental services in our community continues to grow exponentially during this time”.
Yaun plans to remain active in the community after her retirement. She serves on several boards and committees and hopes to continue this work.
The agency’s Board of Directors formed a search committee to find and screen candidates for the executive director position. This months-long process will include input from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the board, community partners and agency staff. The committee hopes to have a candidate announced in early 2022.
