For nearly a decade, I served as Director and CEO of Fairfax City Economic Development, building the department from a one-person office into a full-service organization. My leadership emphasized partnerships and collaboration to make government work for communities and solve problems. FCED attracted private investment, created jobs, and strengthened commercial corridors through placemaking and the formation of nonprofit partners. We helped launch the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance following the region’s successful Amazon HQ2 selection and rebuilt the Mason Enterprise Center small business incubator in partnership with George Mason University. Our work also included workforce training with Northern Virginia Community College, creation of a nonprofit maker space, and use of public spaces for commercial activity at no cost to taxpayers. During this time, the department led Fairfax City’s largest business support project in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, demonstrating our ability to step up when needed.

Today, Fairfax City Economic Development boasts many of the region’s strongest retail and restaurant support programs - including FIIG and LIFFT designed to attract and retain offices and new businesses - a new tourism division, and national recognition as a best-in-class organization and model for cities across the country.

Now, as Chief of Economic Development Programs and Strategies at New York Law School, I have returned home to New York City, where I began my career with the NYC Department of Small Business Services. At NYLS, I help develop programs that support the city’s broader economic development agenda, particularly through its network of business improvement districts and neighborhood-based strategies.