Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Picks New CEO

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Commission has appointed George D. Thomas as its next president and CEO.

Thomas will begin the role in August. He succeeds Victor Hoskins, who is leaving after nearly seven years leading the authority.

Thomas has more than 25 years of experience in economic development, technology, infrastructure, investment attraction, workforce development and public-private partnerships, according to the Fairfax County EDA.

He is president and CEO of Connected DMV, where the EDA said he helped build the organization from a volunteer coalition into a multimillion-dollar enterprise focused on next-generation industry clusters. Under his leadership, Connected DMV established innovation centers in quantum, energy and space, launched the Quantum World Congress and spaceNEXT conferences, and coordinated regional work on innovation and economic growth.

Before joining Connected DMV, Thomas spent two decades in leadership roles in technology, infrastructure and consulting. He served as a partner at IBM and held senior roles at global firms, working on technology commercialization, smart cities, infrastructure modernization, economic development and industry cluster formation.

Officials Cite Regional Collaboration

“George Thomas represents the next generation of economic development leadership,” FCEDA Commission Chair James Quigley said in a statement. “His ability to bring together government, industry, universities, investors, entrepreneurs, and community leaders around a shared vision for growth makes him uniquely qualified to lead Fairfax County forward.”

Quigley said Fairfax County has built one of the strongest economies in the country through talent, innovation and collaboration.

“George understands how to build on those strengths while positioning our community for the opportunities ahead,” Quigley said.

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay (D-At-Large) said Thomas has demonstrated an ability to connect people, organizations and ideas in ways that create long-term economic opportunity.

“Fairfax County possesses one of the most powerful combinations of assets anywhere in the world,” McKay said in a statement. “We are home to extraordinary talent, leading companies, major research institutions, a thriving entrepreneurial community, and unparalleled access to national and global markets.”

Thomas Points To Innovation Economy

Thomas said Fairfax County is positioned to lead in industries including artificial intelligence, quantum, energy, aerospace, defense and national security.

“I look forward to working with our partners across Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, the DMV region and the Commonwealth to build on that momentum, strengthen our innovation economy, and create opportunities that benefit businesses, residents, and future generations,” Thomas said.

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