The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Commission has appointed George D. Thomas as the organization's next president and CEO, marking a leadership transition at the agency responsible for advancing the county's economic growth agenda. Thomas steps into the role following the tenure of Victor Hoskins, who is departing after seven years at the helm.
Thomas is described as an economic development executive and technology strategist with more than 25 years of leadership experience. His background spans economic development, technology, infrastructure, investment attraction, workforce development and public-private partnerships, positioning him to oversee a broad portfolio of initiatives aimed at strengthening the local business environment.
Fairfax County Economic Development Commission Chair James Quigley characterized Thomas as representing the next generation of economic development leadership. Quigley emphasized Thomas's capacity to convene government, industry, universities, investors, entrepreneurs and community leaders around a shared vision for growth, noting that this collaborative approach is central to the commission's expectations for the authority's next chapter.
Prior to joining the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, Thomas served as president and CEO of Connected DMV. In that role, he led the transformation of the organization from a volunteer coalition into what is described as a multi-million-dollar innovation enterprise focused on enhancing regional competitiveness. Under his leadership, Connected DMV launched innovation centers dedicated to quantum technology, energy and space, reflecting a focus on technology-driven economic development and emerging industries.
The leadership change at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority comes as regional stakeholders continue to pursue strategies that integrate technology, infrastructure and workforce initiatives to support long-term economic growth. With Thomas's track record in building cross-sector partnerships and advancing innovation-focused programs, the authority is positioned to continue its efforts to attract and retain employers, support talent development and cultivate new investment opportunities across the local economy.
While specific programmatic changes under Thomas's leadership have not yet been detailed, the emphasis on collaboration across public and private sectors aligns with broader trends in regional economic development. The transition from Hoskins to Thomas signals continuity in the authority's focus on competitiveness and innovation, while introducing a new executive perspective shaped by experience in both economic development and technology strategy.
