One of the DMV’s leading economic development organizations is looking for a new leader.
After working six years as the CEO and president of Fairfax County’s Economic Development Authority, Victor Hoskins is leaving this fall to work in the private sector. Close by in Northern Virginia, the economic development org in Alexandria is looking to hire for its new accelerator program.
Plus, after almost 10 years in Arlington, Boeing is moving its headquarters back to St. Louis to be closer to staff focused on its commercial planes and manufacturing facilities.
Keep reading to get the details on those and more regional power moves.
Well-known Virginia economic development leader departs
Under Hoskins’ tenure, the region gained 64,000 new jobs, and companies including Meta, Google and Microsoft all expanded or opened new offices in the county, per a press release.
“I am deeply proud of the exceptional FCEDA team and the vibrant business community we serve,” Hoskins said. “I am confident that the spirit, talent, and commitment that define this organization will carry it to even greater heights.”
Before his six years in this role, he served as director of Arlington Economic Development and the deputy mayor of planning and economic development in DC.
The economic development authority in Fairfax is forming a committee to search for his replacement, and hopes to announce their pick later this year.
Alexandria launches new accelerator
The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership will host a new 4- to 6-month program for startups in high-growth sectors, including defense, robotics and quantum.
Up to 15 Alexandria companies will be selected, according to a press release.
“We know these startups are here. We know they are succeeding,” said Philomena Fitzgerald, the small business and entrepreneurship manager at the partnership. “And we know they want and need this support to grow in Alexandria.”
The search is underway for a vendor to design and implement the accelerator. RFPs can be sent to apply@alexandriaecon.org and will be accepted through March 25.
Boeing moves HQ to St. Louis — again
The beleaguered aerospace company was located in Missouri for two decades, from 1997 to 2017, before relocating to Arlington.
Steve Parker, Boeing Defense, Space & Security CEO, cited being closer to 18,000 of its employees and manufacturing as reasons for the move in a press release. Boeing is also investing billions in expanding its combat aircraft production, per a press release, including in St. Louis.
Boeing has recently dealt with safety violations, including a door plug blow out in 2024. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft also left two astronauts in space for nine months.
“It’s important for leaders to be side-by-side with our teammates, listening to their feedback and acting to remove obstacles as we continue to stabilize and strengthen our business,” Parker said. “The headquarters move … reflects our continued focus on disciplined performance across our business.”
The company will still have a presence and workers in Virginia, Defense One reported.
More product launches and leadership changes
- DC semiconductor manufacturing startup Besxar (a 2026 RealLIST Startups honoree) hired former Anduril executive Diem Salmon as chief revenue officer.
- Everfox, a Herndon cybersecurity company, appointed Dave Wajsgras as chairman and CEO. Wajsgras previously served as the CEO of the global satellite communications company Intelsat.
- The International Economic Development Council announced several leadership changes. Anne-Marie Burton, who has 25 years of professional development experience, is the new vice president of professional development and accreditation. Public affairs and marketing expert Brian Namey will be vice president of public affairs, and several existing employees were hired in new roles.
- Drone tech firm ANRA Technologies tapped Dave Gustas as chief revenue officer. He has two decades of experience scaling software companies and building go-to-market strategies in regulated industries.
- Michael Lenox was named interim dean of University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Lenox joined the faculty in 2008 and is most recently senior advisor to the dean.
- AI creativity startup Hupside launched a second version of its product that measures originality. Hupchecker 2.0 gathers more metrics about whether organizations are structurally designed to benefit from AI, building off measuring individual workers. Cofounder and CEO Jonathan Aberman was also appointed to the Northern Virginia Technology Council’s advisory committee.
- DC data-focused security company Virtru hired two executive team members. Angel Smith is now president of global public sector and John Dancy is executive vice president of customer solutions and engineering.
- AI data insights platform Capitol AI hired Gabe Martin in the company’s new role of vice president of partnerships.
- Northern Virginia companies Andesite and Second Front Systems are working with the Department of War to bring AI capabilities to security operations.
Recent acquisitions and office openings
- Legaltech firm BriefCatch in DC acquired the product and tech assets of WordRake, which made text editing software. The deal includes 12 patents and the firm’s algorithms for concise and clear writing.
- Global AI risk company KnowBe4 is opening an Arlington office, citing proximity to the public sector.
- Arcfield, a government IT company in Chantilly, acquired software firm Rite-Solutions to expand its defense and national security tech offerings.
- Magnet manufacturing company Niron Magnetics opened a DC office to work more closely with the federal government.
- DC private equity firm Ventus Industrial Partners formed a new defense manufacturing company called Aeron Defense. The firm also acquired Ohio manufacturing companies General Tool Company and Magna Machine Company.
