George Thomas to Lead Fairfax County EDA After Helping Transform Greater Washington Into a Global Innovation Hub
Connected DMV co-founder will continue serving on Board of Trustees as organization launches search for next CEO
Connected DMV today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer George Thomas will step down on August 23, 2026, after helping build Greater Washington into one of the world's leading centers for quantum technology, space innovation, and emerging industries. Thomas has been selected to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and will continue serving on Connected DMV's Board of Trustees.
The Board has launched a search for the organization's next CEO and expects a seamless leadership transition, with all programs, partnerships, and convenings continuing without interruption.
Connected DMV and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority also expect to deepen their collaboration in the years ahead. Together, the organizations have helped establish Greater Washington as a leading destination for innovation, investment, and talent in quantum technology, space, artificial intelligence, and other frontier industries. Thomas's new role creates additional opportunities to align regional assets, accelerate economic growth, and advance initiatives that benefit the broader innovation ecosystem.
During his tenure, Thomas helped transform Connected DMV from a regional collaboration into a nationally recognized model for cross-sector innovation, bringing together government, industry, academia, investors, and nonprofits to accelerate economic growth in frontier technologies. Under his leadership, Greater Washington emerged as a global center for quantum technology, the new space economy, and other high-growth industries that will define the next generation of economic competitiveness.
Among the initiatives launched and scaled during his leadership are:
Quantum Leadership
Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC), helping establish Greater Washington as a global epicenter for quantum technology by aligning federal laboratories, academia, investors, and industry to accelerate commercialization and talent development.
The Global Industry Challenge, a worldwide innovation program that drew more than 600 participants from over 60 countries in its inaugural year, applying quantum and artificial intelligence to real-world challenges presented by organizations including The World Bank Group, JPMorgan Chase, Mitsubishi, the U.S. Department of Energy, Wells Fargo, and MITRE.
Quantum World Congress, operated by Connected DMV, now recognized as the premier global convening of the quantum ecosystem, bringing together leaders in science, policy, investment, and industry from around the world while reinforcing Greater Washington's position as a leading quantum hub.
Space Leadership
The Potomac Center for the New Space Economy, positioning the region as a leader in the commercial space economy through collaboration with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the District of Columbia Department of Planning and Economic Development, and George Mason University.
spaceNEXT, operated by Connected DMV, a global gathering focused on the future of the space economy, convening leaders from government, industry, academia, and investment communities to accelerate innovation across space infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, and enabling technologies.
Regional Economic Development
Greater Washington RISE (Regional Innovation Strategy Engine), the region's first cross-sector economic development strategy, designed to accelerate the growth of next-generation industries while advancing inclusive opportunity and responsible economic development.
Pathways, an innovative workforce framework that combines structured learning, employer engagement, and real-world application to help participants develop in-demand skills and pursue career-aligned opportunities.
"George helped redefine what regional collaboration can achieve," said Victor Hoskins, Chair of the Connected DMV Board of Trustees. "His vision and leadership positioned Greater Washington at the forefront of quantum technology, space innovation, and emerging industries. The institutions and partnerships he helped create will continue generating economic opportunity and global impact for years to come."
"From the beginning, George believed that Greater Washington could compete with any innovation ecosystem in the world if we worked together," said Stu Solomon, Founder and Vice Chair of Connected DMV. "He transformed that belief into action—creating enduring programs, partnerships, and institutions that will continue advancing economic growth and technological leadership. We are grateful for his service and excited to continue collaborating with him in his new role."
"Leading Connected DMV has been one of the great honors of my career," said Thomas. "Connected DMV demonstrated what is possible when a region chooses collaboration over competition. Together, we built platforms that elevated Greater Washington's global standing and created opportunities for innovators, entrepreneurs, students, and communities across the region. I am proud of what we accomplished and look forward to supporting the organization's continued success as a member of its Board."
ABOUT CONNECTED DMV
Connected DMV is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that convenes leaders across industry, government, academia, and the nonprofit sector to accelerate innovation, economic growth, and workforce development. Through initiatives focused on quantum technology, space, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and other frontier industries, Connected DMV helps position Greater Washington as a leading global hub for the industries of the future.
Learn more at connecteddmv.org.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sarah Dohl Westerhouse
media@connecteddmv.org
(703) 593-1875