The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) has appointed George D. Thomas as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Victor Hoskins and ushering in a new chapter for one of the United States’ leading innovation economies.
Thomas, who will assume the role in August, brings more than 25 years of experience spanning economic development, technology, workforce development, infrastructure, investment attraction, and public-private partnerships.
His appointment comes as Fairfax County looks to strengthen its position in emerging industries including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced computing, aerospace, and national security.
“George Thomas represents the next generation of economic development leadership,” said FCEDA Commission Chair James Quigley. “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.”
Most recently, Thomas served as President and CEO of Connected DMV, where he transformed the organisation from a volunteer coalition into a multi-million-dollar innovation network focused on building next-generation industry clusters and enhancing the region’s global competitiveness.
Under his leadership, Connected DMV launched dedicated innovation initiatives in quantum technologies, energy, and space, while also establishing the internationally recognised Quantum World Congress and spaceNEXT conferences. The platforms brought together federal agencies, research institutions, private companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and international partners to accelerate technology commercialisation and workforce growth.
Prior to Connected DMV, Thomas spent two decades in leadership roles across technology and consulting, including serving as a Partner at IBM. His work focused on technology commercialisation, smart cities, infrastructure modernisation, and industry cluster development.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said Thomas’ ability to connect organisations and stakeholders would help the county maintain its leadership position in innovation and economic growth.
“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. “George has demonstrated throughout his career an ability to connect people, organisations, and ideas in ways that generate long-term economic opportunity.”
Thomas said Fairfax County is uniquely positioned to capitalise on advances in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, aerospace, defence, and energy.
“Combined with the region’s exceptional talent, research capabilities, and entrepreneurial energy, Fairfax County is positioned to lead,” he said.
The leadership transition follows nearly seven years under outgoing President and CEO Victor Hoskins, whose tenure was marked by significant economic growth and increased national recognition for Fairfax County as a destination for business investment and innovation.
Thomas’ appointment reflects Fairfax County’s broader strategy of leveraging its concentration of talent, research institutions, federal assets, and private-sector innovation to drive long-term economic growth and reinforce Northern Virginia’s position as a global centre for technology and innovation.
