Join

Principi announces departure from community health center after 7 years

Frank Principi, a Woodbridge Supervisor, has announced that he has stepped down as the Executive Director of the Greater Prince William Community Health Center after seven years of service.

According to Paul Moessner, president of the health centerā€™s board, Principiā€™s role as director was always meant to be a temporary one.

ā€œWe had a sit-down conversation about the things heā€™s looking to do, and things that [the center] is looking to doā€¦[he] was brought on as a short-term rescue mission to decide whether or not we could be successful and go forwardā€¦and that was seven years ago. So we have moved significantly past that, and Frank has been just an absolute wonderā€¦but it was time to move on,ā€ said Moessner.

Moessner recalled the time when Principi first came on board, and how the center was struggling at that time.

ā€œWe worked very hard at [building the center] and I think structurally we had most of the right choices made, but we didnā€™t have the right [director] and at that time we were looking at scarce resources and were finding a difficult place to settle inā€¦4 or 5 of us sat around my family room on a couple of weeks going, ā€˜Is this the week we have to close because weā€™ve run out of money,ā€™ā€ said Moessner.

Principi agreed that the director role was always meant to be temporary.

His job was initially to close the center, but after working with the patients, he decided to turn things around and make the health center a success.

ā€œItā€™s been one of the most rewarding things Iā€™ve done in my professional career. Seven years ago, I was asked to come in and close the centerā€¦walking through the waiting room every day on that short-term assignment, and looking at the faces of the people of our communityā€¦seeing those faces, I went to the board and asked them to change the assignment from closing the center to going to plan ā€˜Bā€™ [to save the center],ā€ Principi commented.

Principi said that over his time leading the Greater Prince William Community Health Center, they have seen enormous growth and success in the community.

ā€œWeā€™ve gone from 75 square feet of medical office space to 30,000 at two different locations. Weā€™ve gone from 5 employees seven years ago, to 64 employees today. We served 800 patients in the first year of operations, and weā€™re anticipating that weā€™ll serve 16,000 patients. We have fought back valiantly, weā€™ve told our story in the communityā€¦and quite frankly after seven years, my job is done, and Iā€™m looking to move on to bigger challenges,ā€ Principi stated.

According to Principi, he is currently weighing his options professionally, but stated that he plans to stay in the non-profit world.

ā€œI have a few opportunities that [Iā€™m] exploring, and once that due diligence is complete I will be making an announcement publicly, but I will say Iā€™m staying in the non-profit industry, and Iā€™m going to be helping many larger numbers of people in our community,ā€ commented Principi.

Paul Moessner said that the health center has launched a search for a new director, and the current interim director is Mary Ellen Bond, who is the operations director for the center.

ā€œWe had an announcement out for candidates for the Executive Directorā€™s positionā€¦we have a number of people who have submitted [resumes]. Our board will sit down and make a selection from that. Weā€™re not worried about being able to get a person with lots and lots of experience,ā€ Moessner said.

Moessner commented that a decision for a permanent director would be made in the coming weeks.

Recent Stories

The mother of a former student at North Stafford High School has filed a lawsuit against the county school division seeking $15 million in compensatory damages, alleging failure to protect her child.

Virginia is beginning to experience some of the impacts from the cargo ship crash that brought down Baltimoreā€™s Francis Scott Key Bridge, closing a vital shipping lane leading to one of the eastern seaboardā€™s busiest ports.

Rep. Abigail Spanberger was in Stafford County on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 to tout her efforts to bring federal dollars to the district.

Route 1 is closed at Port Potomac in Woodbridge, near Cardinal Drive.Ā 

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

Ɨ

Subscribe to our mailing list