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Vaughn Ambrose has taken the helm of the Departmental Progressive Club with plans to attract younger members and launch a campaign to restore the organization’s historic building.

The club formally installed its new officers during a Jan. 9 ceremony attended by members, city officials and community leaders. Sheriff Sean Casey administered the oath of office, swearing in Ambrose as president.

Founded in 1927 as a service and social organization for African Americans during segregation, the DPC is one of Alexandria’s oldest Black civic institutions. Its work remains centered on community service, fellowship and leadership.

Ambrose, a club member for several years, said the organization’s members welcomed and mentored him. As president, he hopes to provide similar guidance to the next generation.

Anthony Dale was installed as vice president, William Campbell as financial secretary, Robert Goss as assistant financial secretary, Scott Price as treasurer and Christopher Harris as house committee chairman.

Newly sworn-in board members include William Chesley, Robert Worthy, John Chapman, Donal Goff and Lester Simpson.

Ambrose said the club has developed a strategic plan to recruit younger people while encouraging the wider community to share the DPC’s history and contributions to Alexandria. He called for advocates who can tell the stories of club members whose legacies have been memorialized throughout the city.

Dale served as master of ceremonies, while DPC chaplain Quardriscos B. Driskell delivered the invocation and benediction. Mayor Alyia Gaskins attended and spoke before Ambrose addressed the gathering.

Ambrose, a jazz saxophonist and local music teacher, also performed a musical selection ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

After the program, he described a vision that combines preservation of the club’s traditions with stronger operations. A central goal is launching a capital campaign to restore the DPC building and prepare it to serve future generations.

Ambrose said the club will ask the community to invest in keeping the building standing for another century as the organization works to expand its membership and continue its civic mission.