Diane Charles, executive director of Stop Child Abuse Now of Northern Virginia since 1999, has announced her decision to leave SCAN in June. Charles is the longest serving full-time executive director to lead the Alexandria-based nonprofit, which is dedicated to the well-being of children and the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

“I’ve been honored to be a part of such an effective organization that has positively changed the lives of so many children and families,” said Charles, who was named the 2007 nonprofit leader of the year by the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Alexandria Community Trust.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but at the same time I look forward to new challenges as I begin this new chapter in my life.”

Under Charles’ leadership, SCAN increased its annual budget from less than $250,000 to more than $650,000 and expanded the agency’s well-known Court Appointed Special Advocate program to serve the Arlington County community in addition to Alexandria.