Barbara Gordon, director of the Office of Communications for the City of Falls Church, announced today that she is leaving her employment with the City as of Jan. 1, 2012. In a statement, she said the following: “I have veen extremely fortunate to work for more than 18 years in an organization of highly dedicated professionals committed to quality public service. The City of Falls Church is a unique and special place and its greatness is defined by the devoted people who work and live here. My time here has been challenging, fulfilling, sometimes trying, and rewarding. But for personal and professional reasons, I have decided to ‘semi retire’ and take my career in a new direction. My last day with the City will be Jan. 1, 2012.”

Gordon first joined the City’s Office of Communications in the late 1980s and was promoted to the post as Assistant City Manager. She left the City in the 1990s to direct the Office of Communications for the City of Alexandria. She also did a stint as executive director of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce.