Global business executive and innovation leader to guide Fairfax County’s next chapter of economic growth
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (June 17, 2026) — The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) Commission has announced the appointment of George D. Thomas as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, marking a new chapter of growth, innovation and global competitiveness for one of the nation’s most dynamic economies.
Thomas, a globally recognized economic development executive, technology strategist and coalition builder, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across economic development, technology, infrastructure, investment attraction, workforce development and public-private partnerships. His appointment comes as Fairfax County continues to strengthen its position as a premier destination for innovation, talent and business expansion.
“George Thomas represents the next generation of economic development leadership,” said James Quigley, Chair of the FCEDA Commission. “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 added that Fairfax County has built one of the strongest economies in the nation through talent, innovation and collaboration.
“George understands how to build on those strengths while positioning our community for the opportunities ahead,” Quigley said. “The Commission is confident he will continue FCEDA’s tradition of delivering results for our residents, businesses and partners throughout the region and the Commonwealth.”
Advancing Fairfax County’s Innovation Economy
Thomas’s selection reflects Fairfax County’s commitment to leading industries expected to drive future economic growth, including:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technologies
- National defense
- Advanced computing
- Space commercialization
- Energy innovation
- Aerospace and national security technologies
With its concentration of highly skilled talent, research institutions, federal assets, entrepreneurial activity and private-sector innovation, Fairfax County is positioned to shape the next era of economic opportunity for Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As President and CEO of Connected DMV, Thomas built a globally recognized innovation organization, growing it from a volunteer coalition into a multi-million-dollar enterprise focused on developing next-generation industry clusters to advance global competitiveness.
Under his leadership, Connected DMV established dedicated innovation centers in quantum, energy and space, launched the internationally recognized Quantum World Congress and spaceNEXT conferences, and coordinated a regional approach to innovation and economic growth. These platforms connected federal agencies, research institutions, industry leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and allied nations to accelerate technology development, commercial adoption, workforce growth and market creation in industries critical to economic and national security.
Building on Fairfax County’s Global Business Strengths
“Fairfax County possesses one of the most powerful combinations of assets anywhere in the world,” said Jeff McKay, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “We are home to extraordinary talent, leading companies, major research institutions, a thriving entrepreneurial community and unparalleled access to national and global markets.”
McKay said Thomas has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to connect people, organizations and ideas in ways that generate long-term economic opportunity.
“His leadership will help ensure Fairfax County remains at the forefront of innovation and growth for years to come,” McKay said.
Before leading Connected DMV, Thomas spent two decades in leadership roles across technology, infrastructure and consulting. He served as a Partner at IBM and held senior roles at leading global firms, directing transformative initiatives in technology commercialization, smart cities, infrastructure modernization, economic development and industry cluster formation.
Thomas also brings deep relationships across government, academia, capital markets, entrepreneurship and the broader innovation community. These connections will strengthen Fairfax County’s ability to attract investment, support business expansion, scale strategic partnerships and create new opportunities for residents and employers.
Thomas to Begin Tenure in August
“Fairfax County stands at the center of extraordinary economic and technological change,” Thomas said. “Advances in artificial intelligence, quantum, energy, aerospace, defense, national security and other key industries are creating new opportunities for innovation, investment and growth. Combined with the region’s exceptional talent, research capabilities and entrepreneurial energy, Fairfax County is positioned to lead.”
Thomas said he looks forward to working with partners across Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, the DMV region and the Commonwealth to build on that momentum.
“I look forward to working with our partners across Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, the DMV region and the Commonwealth to strengthen our innovation economy and create opportunities that benefit businesses, residents and future generations,” Thomas said.
Thomas will begin his tenure in August. He succeeds Victor Hoskins, who is departing after nearly seven years as FCEDA President and CEO. Hoskins’ leadership has been marked by significant economic growth, regional collaboration and national recognition for Fairfax County.
About the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County, Virginia, as one of the world’s leading business locations. FCEDA works to attract, retain and grow companies across key industries while supporting investment, job creation, innovation and long-term economic competitiveness throughout the county and region.
