Embracing the fast-paced technological transformation before us, we know that innovation is not just about having the brightest ideas or the most advanced technology. It is about cultivating an ecosystem where transformative ideas can flourish and where technology meets skilled hands and minds prepared to wield it.
Fairfax County is a driving force for innovation, attracting companies in sectors ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace commercialization to quantum technology, and we at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) are dedicated to supporting the growth of these businesses as they embark on purpose-driven missions.
We offer a variety of highly customized services, all of which are free and confidential, to support our businesses and those wanting to establish a presence at the doorsteps of the Nation’s Capital. We assist with site selection, market and industry intelligence, talent attraction and public relations, and today, we support a rapidly growing ecosystem of more than 40,000 payroll businesses, of which 10,000 are in the tech sector.
Charting the Course for the Workforce of the Future
Our business is to help make companies successful because when they prosper, the community thrives, thereby enhancing both the economy and the quality of life in Fairfax County. To support the accelerating growth of our businesses and those that want to establish presence here, we have begun taking steps to invent the workforce of the future.
Close collaboration between the public and private sectors and the education community allows us to anticipate and prepare for future workforce needs before they materialize. The integration of career exploration, mentorships, and internships starting from K-12 is about fostering a mindset of curiosity and problem-solving among the next generation. When we build a talent pipeline to support innovation and business growth by aligning opportunities such as internships directly with the job market demands, we work to ensure a seamless transition from education to employment. This, in turn, supports the growth and prosperity of our economy.
At FCEDA, I have had the privilege of initiating and overseeing programs that aim to fill job openings and strategically build a future where our regional economy thrives through transformation across sectors. These initiatives are not just about economic development but about creating an environment where every individual can build a meaningful and purpose-driven future while making career and life pivots the norm rather than the exception.
I believe that change is the only constant and that second and third acts in life are the key to resilient communities. As our businesses respond to the rapid changes in technology and take on new missions and overcome paramount challenges, we are building a workforce – and a community – that is ready to respond and support the emergence of the economy of the future.
“The integration of career exploration, mentorships and internships from K-12 is about fostering a mindset of curiosity and problem-solving among the next generation.”
