Tom Touchet Named Interim President & CEO of Connected DMV
Longtime Greater Washington Leader to Guide Connected DMV Through Leadership Transition and Continued Regional Impact
Connected DMV today announced that Tom Touchet will serve as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective August 24, 2026. Touchet steps into the role following the departure of George D. Thomas, who is transitioning to lead the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority after co-founding Connected DMV and serving as its President and CEO.
The Connected DMV Board of Trustees has launched a formal search for the organization's next permanent CEO, with onboarding targeted for January 2027. During the interim period, Touchet will lead day-to-day operations and ensure continuity across the organization's programs, partnerships, and convenings.
Touchet will oversee Connected DMV's work across its four strategic pillars, Quantum, Space, Energy, and Regional Growth. This includes flagship efforts such as the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center, Quantum World Congress operations, the Global Industry Challenge, the Potomac Center for the New Space Economy, spaceNEXT operations, and the Greater Washington RISE initiative.
The Board expressed confidence that the transition will preserve the momentum Connected DMV has built as a regional convener for quantum technology, space innovation, and inclusive economic growth.
Touchet is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Smart City Media, a technology and media company that has partnered with cities across the country on connected infrastructure and digital communications. His career includes senior roles at NBC News, where he produced the Today Show, as well as leadership positions at ABC News and City24x7. He is a DC native who has been an active voice in Greater Washington's smart region and connected infrastructure community.
“I am honored to step into this role with this amazing team and to build on the strong foundation Connected DMV has established. Our region’s momentum in quantum, space, and the industries of the next economy is real, and I am committed to keeping that momentum going as we move the organization forward together,” said Tom Touchet, Interim President and CEO of Connected DMV.
“Tom brings deep institutional knowledge and steady leadership to this moment. The Board is confident he will keep Connected DMV moving forward with the same focus and discipline that has defined our work, while we complete our search for the organization’s next permanent CEO,” said Victor Hoskins, Chair of the Connected DMV Board of Trustees.
“Tom has been a trusted partner in building Connected DMV from the start. Having him lead during this transition gives us continuity and confidence in the organization’s future,” said Stu Solomon, Founder and Vice Chair of Connected DMV.
The Board of Trustees thanked Thomas for his service and reaffirmed Connected DMV's commitment to advancing Greater Washington through bold, collaborative, future-focused leadership as the organization enters its next chapter.