Arlington official to lead economic development in Fairfax

Published July 8, 2019 by Robert Powell, III

Victor Hoskins, Arlington’s director of economic development, has been named  president and chief executive officer of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA).

“After an extensive search, Fairfax County found the right leader in our own backyard,” Catherine Lange, chair of the FCEDA Board, said in a statement.

During Hoskins’ tenure in Arlington County, he helped lead a successful regional effort to land Amazon’s second headquarters, known as HQ2.

The headquarters site, called National Landing, is now taking shape in Arlington and Alexandria.

“Victor will bring a uniquely compelling mix of experience, savvy and collaborative spirit to the FCEDA,” Stephen Moret, president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, said in a statement. “He has a deep understanding of all the elements of economic development and how they interact. “

Amazon's move to Northern Virginia is expected to create more than 25,000 high-tech jobs and generate at least $3.2 billion for Virginia over the next decade.

In Fairfax, Hoskins will succeed Gerald L. Gordon, who retired late last year. Gordon worked for the economic development authority for 35 years and had been its president and CEO since 1987.

Hoskins will assume his new role on Aug. 5.

Before joining Arlington in January 2015, Hoskins was deputy mayor of planning and economic development for the District of Columbia, where he worked for three-and-a-half years on the development of many major projects, including City Center, the Wharf and Union Market.

Photo courtesy FCEDA