MANASSAS, Va. – Historic Manassas, Inc. is preparing for a leadership change as Executive Director Kristen Kiefer steps down after two years of service that brought much-needed stability to the downtown revitalization nonprofit.
Kiefer, who was the third person to hold the position in a short span of time, helped steer the organization through a transitional period, following the departures of previous directors Debbie Haight and Laurel Howard. She was named interim director in April 2023 and officially took the helm that September. Her time as director was marked by the rebranding of the Manassas Farmers Market, expansion of downtown events, and a renewed strategic direction.
She will leave the role to become Executive Director of a national nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Kiefer will remain involved with HMI as a member of its Board of Directors.
Joining her in departing is Events & Vendor Manager Jheanel Butler, who will become the Visitor & Business Services Manager for the City of Manassas.
Lisa Harrover Harlow, a lifelong Manassas resident and longtime HMI staff member, will take over as Executive Director in late July. Harlow has played a key role in many of the nonprofit’s recent successes and is expected to continue building on that momentum.
Historic Manassas, Inc. did not respond to a request for comment.
Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) has experienced several leadership transitions in recent years.
-
Debbie Haight resigned in late 2022 after serving in the role of Executive Director for an extended period.
-
Laurel E. Howard was appointed in March 2023 but served for only a brief period.
-
Kristen Kiefer stepped in as Interim Executive Director in April 2023 and was officially named Executive Director in September 2023.
Recent Stories
The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is tuning up for a year of music, nostalgia, and dance as it formally launches a new concert series featuring tributes to Motown, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra—with even more to come in 2026.
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-10) dropped by Birmingham Green on July 30 to see firsthand how this nearly century-old senior care center is serving vulnerable older adults in our region—and to talk about the urgent CNA shortage affecting facilities like it across the country.
This fall, Stafford’s voters will also choose their representatives for the Board of Supervisors and School Board for Garrisonville, Hartwood, Falmouth, and Aquia.
The race to replace the late Bob Weir on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors just got more crowded. George T. Stewart, a Navy veteran and longtime community advocate, has officially entered the Gainesville District special election—and he’s joining the Democratic caucus.
SAVE THE DATE
September 11, 2025
Location: Sport Rock Climbing Center
9811 Washingtonian Blvd Ste 300, Gaithersburg, Md 20878
We’re excited to share that Molly’s Dog Care has officially opened its doors at 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace, Suite 302, Chevy Chase, MD 20815!
Whether you’re looking for dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming, or training, our experienced team is here to provide a safe, loving, and enriching environment for your furry family members. Our services are designed with your dog’s happiness and well-being in mind because at Molly’s, we treat every pup like our own.
A Message from Owner Aaron DeVane:
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
