The Business Voice

THE BUSINESS VOICE Amazon-ia What does HQ2 mean for NOVA?

GovCon Roundtable: 2018 Execs of the Year Talk the Past, Present, and What’s Coming Down the Pike The Secret to Its Success: Leadership Fairfax Celebrates 30 Years Talk of the Town: TEDxTysons Makes Its Mark

WINTER 2019 | novachamber.org 1

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| SU M M ER 2018

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THE BUSINESS VOICE

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AGENDA

winter 2019

Inside this issue

Message from the Chair A call to action, conversation, and continued success.

Get to Know the New CEO Julie Coons is keen on making sure Chamber members derive direct value from their membership. The Business Voice talked with her about plans to grow that membership, lobbying efforts the Chamber is likely to champion, and what her life is like “off the clock.”

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Amazon-ia

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8

Members Making News Mergers, 4-star ratings, and more about your fellow members. 10

What does HQ2 mean for NOVA?

NVFS Receives Day 1 Families Fund Grant Northern Virginia Family Service is among the first to receive a grant from Jeff and Mackenzie Bezos’ Day 1 Families Fund.

TBV Q&A with Jennifer Wexton The Business Voice talked with the new 10th Congressional District representative about her business and economic priorities, additional improvements to the Metro system, and of course Amazon.

The Secret to Its Success Leadership Fairfax celebrates 30 years.

The Amazon Effect The tech giant’s decision to split its HQ2 between the Crystal City area and Long Island signals a new era for Northern Virginia’s economic identity.

2018 GovCon Award Winners

GovCon Roundtable: 2018 GovCon Execs of the Year Talk the Past, the Present and…Amazon.

The i-LIST

Education: Marymount University’s Dr. Irma Becerra

ON THE Cover illustration COVER by Kara Thorpe

Nonprofit: TEDxTysons Signature Events

New Chamber Members

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23 26

Spotlight On Small Business: Helios HR

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30 32

34

38

Change is t

We implement our c

Call your Century 21 Ne

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THE BUSINESS VOICE

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Upcoming Chamber Events JANUARY

24

Viva Virginia The Northern Virginia Chamber’s annual legislative reception – Viva Virginia – is an opportunity for Chamber members to engage and network with Northern Virginia elected officials, members of the Administration, and staff from across Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth during the General Assembly session.

For members interested in state policy issues, this is a private, membersonly, premier networking opportunity and legislative reception.

Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: Wong Gonzalez Restaurant, 412 E. Grace St., Richmond

Also coming soon...

FEBRUARY • Professional Development Workshop

• Women in Business Event MARCH • GovCon Industry Event

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The She-Suite® Summit The fourth annual She-Suite® Summit will address the most pressing issues of gender equity and advancement. The event brings together women and men from across the region and the nation to design solutions that will advance women at work, home, and in the community. In addition, attendees are paired with influential executives and industry experts who guide them through the creation of their own 90-day personal brand plan.

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

TBA

Valor Awards The Valor Awards recognize public safety heroes from the Fairfax County Police Department, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff, the Herndon Police Department, and the Vienna Police Department by awarding them with the Lifesaving Award, the Certificate of Valor, or the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal of Honor. ​ The awards are presented in recognition of actions above and beyond the call of duty, and the event is attended by more than 500 individuals, including award recipients and their families, and local leaders in the business community.

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce 7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550, Tysons, VA 22102-3853 Phone: 703.749.0400 Fax: 703.749.9075 www.novachamber.org • To learn more about membership, please contact Jennifer Williamson: 703.752.7529 jwilliamson@ novachamber.org

THE BUSINESS VOICE Published by

DAT E

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27th Annual Economic Conference: Looking Back, a Decade of Transformation, Looking Forward, a Future of Opportunity This annual conference provides a forum for both public and private sector leaders to gain insight on key economic drivers, workplace trends, and the impacts and opportunities that will shape the economy in the coming year.

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: Hilton McLean, Tysons Corner

MARCH

To register for events: novachamber.org/ events

TO ADVERTISE

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A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Members of the Northern Virginia Business Community:

I

am honored to serve as your 20182019 Chair of the Board of Directors for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia™.

In this issue of The Business Voice, you will hear business leaders from across this region sharing their thoughts and opinions about the impact of Amazon’s decision to locate a major headquarters in our region. You will also hear from a great local non-profit, TEDxTysons, and the importance of the work they do for Northern Virginia.

My goal as Chair is to strategically position the Chamber within the region and the Commonwealth on a higher level with regard to issues and initiatives of regional importance, creating the space necessary to allow us to convene the conversation and foster the relationships that will benefit the region, its business community, and beyond. As we build upon our successes, we will also take a strategic look at ourselves to ensure we’re prioritizing correctly against our mission and, most importantly, providing the most value to the Northern Virginia Chamber membership.

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We all enjoy the blessings and benefits of this region – now is the time not only to plan for the future but also to cultivate the next generation of leaders, together.

I challenge you to join me at one of the Chamber’s many valuable events and think of at least one other person inside or outside your organization who would benefit from that event personally or professionally. Whether you’re interested in the Chamber for networking and business development, thought leadership, business advocacy, or professional development, we have

a great team at the Chamber that will help find the best place for you and your colleagues to get involved.

I look forward to working with you and your business to continue growing Northern Virginia for the benefit of our business community and all who call this region home.

Sincerely, JENNIFER SICILIANO 2018-2019 Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer, Inova Health System

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GET TO KNOW

Julie Coons

W

ith vast experience in the Washington region’s business and technology fields, Julie Coons’ background makes her particularly qualified to lead the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in the era of innovation, new industries, entrepreneurship, and diversified growth in our region.

But she’s not all business. In Coons’ down time, she explores her creativity by trying new recipes and sewing quilts, a nod to two loves of her mother and grandmother.

Read on to find out more about Coons and her plans to help regional businesses navigate the future.

THE BUSINESS VOICE: How has your background in the D.C. business world helped prepare you for this role?

What attracted you to this position?

JULIE COONS: Prior to leading nonprofit organizations I held international business development roles in the region’s telecommunications sector.

That experience uniquely prepared me for working with and representing business leaders. In 2004, I was tapped to lead the Tech Council of Maryland, where I worked directly with the region’s technology and life science leadership.

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CEO NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

These experiences exposed me to the world-class leaders, companies and assets of our region. The opportunity to lead the Northern Virginia Chamber and again engage directly with this caliber of talent during an exciting time of growth for our region presented a very exciting opportunity.

TBV: The chamber is in the top three largest business associations in the D.C. area with growing membership. How will you continue to grow that base?

JC: The chamber’s membership has told me that they value our pre-eminent role as a business advocate in Northern Virginia who has consistently protected business and advanced legislation and policy that positively impacts their bottom line. In addition, businesses look to engage with the chamber to learn from their peers and, where synergies exist, do business together.

The chamber is that platform for business leaders. We are formulating a two-year strategic plan that will guide us to focus on some sectors in our business community, as well as the regional business challenges where we can convene, inf luence and/or drive the conversation.

TBV: Earlier this year, the chamber made lobbying for dedicated Metro funding a top priority. What other lobbying efforts do you see the chamber championing as the Virginia General Assembly approaches?

JC: There are opportunities this session to advance sound policies that support our workforce growth.

Building on successful initiatives like FastForward, a program that incentivizes participation in credential programs for high-demand careers like cyber and IT, will be important.

Continuing to advocate for investments in K-12 education, and, importantly, access to quality early childhood education, will be a top priority.

Successes like dedicated Metro

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funding were achieved in a bipartisan fashion. We are excited to work with Democrats and Republicans across Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth to advance our region and its business climate.

TBV: Tell us about your life “off the clock.” What sort of hobbies or passions do you have outside the hard-charging business world?

JC: I have been very fortunate to have a life influenced by communities and cultures beyond the United States. That passion for diverse cultures, languages and art has led me to fascinating places. So I continue to seek and enjoy international travel when I can.

I was also influenced by my grandmother and mother, who loved to cook and sew. It’s part of my creative side that I try new recipes all the time; if they aren’t great I throw them out and try a new one! I love to read cookbooks and challenge myself to learn new cooking techniques. I got an Instant Pot early on and still think it is really hard to program!

I also quilt. I certainly don’t enter them in shows, but I love the process of selecting the fabrics, organizing the patterns, cutting the endless pieces and working to the finished product – hopefully a thing of beauty. I really enjoy both the creative process and the organizational process of quilting.

TBV: Tell us about a favorite book you’ve read and why it meant something to you.

JC: I am an avid reader and read all types of fiction and non-fiction.

I recently read “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead. I have a deep personal commitment to social justice and human dignity, and I believe that the novel’s story of the human desire and right for freedom and dignity is an important reminder in this time in our history. It was a reminder to me that every day we each have an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life – and our own.

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MEMBERS making news

American Red Cross Launches First Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit MONDAY, JANUARY 28 / 7:30 A.M. - 12 P.M. / THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D.C. In view of the unprecedented number of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and man made disasters of the past two years, and in light of the fact that such disasters could occur in the Washington DC metro area at any time, the American Red Cross, in conjunction with Summit Partners, will host the first annual Disaster Preparedness Summit: A Ready Mindset. The summit will address the threats and risks to our community and region, and offer real world ways in which companies and other organizations can assess their readiness and prepare for the unexpected.

Charity Navigator Awards Community Foundation 4-Star Rating The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.

“The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s exceptional 4-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of the charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our 4-star rating. This adds the Community Foundation to a preeminent group of charities working to overcome our world’s most pressing challenges.”

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UNION BANKSHARES CORPORATION TO ACQUIRE ACCESS NATIONAL CORPORATION

Union Bankshares Corporation and Access National Corporation have entered into a definitive merger agreement for Union to acquire Access. The all-stock transaction is valued at about $610 million, and the combined company will have total assets of $16 billion, with total deposits of $11.9 billion and gross loans of $11.4 billion. The merger is expected to close within the first quarter of this year.

Here’s how Cox is ensuring Northern Virginia is primed for continued success.

Take care of employees − Happy employees are dedicated employees. From enhanced 401(k) plans to wellness resources, at Cox, we understand doing what’s Kathryn Falk

Vice President Northern Virginia Operations, Cox

It’s

best for employees is really what’s best for business.

Innovate – From technology that improves the way you

no surprise why companies choose to

consume entertainment to applications that make doing

set up headquarters in the Northern

business easier to hosting hackathon conferences and

Virginia region. We have a fantastic education

entrepreneurship competitions, as technology transforms

system and talent pool enabling companies to

the world, Cox transforms with it.

hire the brightest minds, and residents enjoy a great quality of life.

When we think about the world today and building for a better future, it’s hard not to think about businesses in our region and our role as business leaders.

Know our purpose – Recently, Cox announced a new brand logo and tagline; Bringing us closer. This is our “why.” As a family-owned company, we’re committing to rethinking how we have genuine interactions with our customers. We want our products and employees to be advocates of real connections, not just connectivity.

Connect with us on Twitter @CoxVA or learn more at www.cox.com.

MEMBERS MAKING NEWS Day 1 Families Fund grants NVFS $2.5 million for initiatives to help the homeless

Below: Northern Virginia Family Service Head Start students present science projects at school. Each year, NVFS helps 35,000 at-risk individuals achieve self-sufficiency.

Left: Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos. (Courtesy photos)

BY K A R I P U G H

T

he Day 1 Families Fund, created

by Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos and his wife, MacKenzie, will invest $2.5 million in the efforts of Northern Virginia Family Service to end homelessness.

NVFS is one of 24 nonprofits around the country to receive the first Day 1 Families Fund grants, totaling $97.5 million. The grant was announced soon after Amazon selected Northern Virginia for one of two new $2.5 billion headquarters sites.

“The goal of the Day 1 Families Fund awards is to shine a light and support the organizations that are doing compassionate, needle-moving work to provide shelter for young families in communities across the nation,” Bezos wrote in a news release. “These 24 organizations are working on a number of initiatives that support families in need … We hope these grants provide the additional resources these leaders and their organizations need to expand the scope and impact of their efforts.”

The grant will help fund NVFS’ work to combat family homelessness and to provide families with the services, skills training and job support necessary to transition to permanent housing.

The organization’s holistic approach is designed to address the immediate needs of families and to provide the tools and resources to support and empower them toward long-term solutions, the release noted.

“Receiving an investment from the Day 1 Families Fund is truly an 12

THE BUSINESS VOICE

honor,” said Stephanie Berkowitz, NVFS president and CEO. “For nearly a century, NVFS has been an innovator in solving the most critical community issues. This investment will accelerate NVFS’ efforts in implementing and developing solutions, models and practices to address family homelessness in Northern Virginia.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Day 1 Families Fund, and appreciate Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos’ vision and commitment to ending family homelessness.”

NVFS says the investment ensures the organization will able to continue to provide best practices in ending family homelessness and develop new solutions that help address systemic inequities.

The nonprofit also hopes to become a pioneer in developing solutions that can be replicated across the nation.

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The Bezos Day One Fund consists of two programs: the Day 1 Families Fund, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations fighting homelessness, and the Day 1 Academies Fund, which will help build a network of preschools in low-income communities across the country. The fund’s vision comes from Mary’s Place in Seattle, where Amazon is headquartered. The organization works to help families transition from homelessness and has the motto: “No one’s child should sleep outside.”

A small group of expert advisors provided input to the Bezos Day One Fund team to select organizations receiving the first round of grants, which will be awarded annually.

For more information, visit www.BezosDayOneFund.org/ Day1FamiliesFund.

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TBV Q&A Jennifer Wexton talks transportation, business and Amazon

BY K A R I P U G H

F

or Jennifer Wexton, life has been a whirlwind since Election Day, when she unseated two-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock to become the first Democrat in 38 years to hold the the 10th District congressional seat.

The Leesburg resident took a deep dive into life as a congresswoman ahead of her swearing in, which has included attending training sessions, organizing her Capitol Hill office, keeping up with speaking engagements and learning about her new constituents.

Amid the bustle, Wexton — who formerly represented Loudoun County’s 33rd District in the Virginia Senate — offered some perspectives on issues facing Northern Virginia now and in the future.

THE BUSINESS VOICE: Describe your life since Election Day. What was the biggest surprise as you prepared to begin your term this month?

JENNIFER WEXTON: It has been quite a whirlwind. We’ve gone through four weeks of orientation (including one 14

THE BUSINESS VOICE

after the 116th Congress was sworn in on Jan. 3). Our office budget and establishing the office itself is much different from what we had in the State Senate. Each member is given a set annual budget to cover everything from staff salaries to district office rents, furniture and supplies, but is pretty much left to figure out how best to allocate our resources on our own. So in that regard each member is like an independent contractor, but it allows us to have flexibility in determining salaries, benefits and other priorities in our office.

TBV: In terms of business and economic issues, what are your biggest priorities?

JW: We need to make major investments in our transportation infrastructure and our schools so we can prepare our children for the jobs of the future. We need to combat climate change and stem sea-level rise, which greatly threaten our coast and Virginia’s economy. We should also raise wages for working men and women and create a fairer tax system that encourages innovation and investments in our workforce.

TBV: Amazon’s HQ2 announcement will put a big strain on Northern Virginia’s workforce and transportation network. What do you think the region needs to do to prepare and what do you have in mind that you can do as a congresswoman to help?

JW: I am concerned whether we have the necessary infrastructure, including roads, transit, schools and affordable housing, to properly welcome Amazon to our region. Our federal, state, and local governments need to partner with Amazon to ensure that we are investing in our infrastructure, and that the quality of life of their future employees and current Northern Virginia residents is not adversely impacted by this move.

TBV: The business community has supported efforts to ensure adequate

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federal funding for the Metro system and reform its governance and operations.

What will you be prioritizing to support our regional transit network?

JW: Our Metro is a unique transit system that had unfortunately been managed ineffectively and underfunded for much of its history. While the new GM has made progress in reforming WMATA’s management culture, making Metro safe and reliable won’t happen overnight and won’t happen without adequate resources. I support extending the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act (PRIIA), which provides $150 million annually to Metro, by another 10 years. Given that Metro is absolutely vital to moving the federal workforce, I believe the federal government should also contribute a portion of Metro’s operating expenses.

TBV: What other transportation initiatives do you believe are crucial for the region that you can help support from Washington?

JW: There are dozens of projects in Va. 10 that need more investment, including the American Legion Bridge in the east, reducing the toll burden and creating east-west Greenway alternatives in Loudoun, congestion relief on Va. 28 in the Manassas area, and improvements to Interstate 81 in the west.

TBV: What are your plans for working with and interacting with Northern Virginia’s business community during your term?

JW: It’s no accident that so many amazing businesses decide to locate or grow their operations here in Northern Virginia. They recognize the vibrant, welcoming community we have here.

To the extent there are areas where we in the public sector can do better, I will work with the business community the same way I always have: by meeting with business leaders and workers, by listening and learning, and by working together to find solutions.

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CREATING LEADERS

Leadership Fairfax:

30 Years of Developing Community Leaders

Clockwise from top left: Stephanie Berkowitz, President & CEO, Northern Virginia Family Service; Danny Vargas, Founder & CEO, VARCom Solutions; and Patti Stevens, Director, Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships.

Karen Cleveland, President & CEO, Leadership Fairfax; Brian Kincaid, Analyst, Fairfax County Office of Budget and Management; and Devan Strebig, Director of Development, Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, toast to the next 30 years. Attendees at the 30th anniversary celebration of Leadership Fairfax included Greg Kincaid; Sheriff Stacey Kincaid; Jen Siciliano, 2018-2019 Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Virginia Delegate Mark Keam.

Alex Robbins, aide to Virginia Congressman Gerald Connolly, and Huey Battle, Regional Manager, Community Involvement, Washington Gas. 16

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L

BY R O B I N E A R L

eadership Fairfax was founded in 1988, during a countrywide realization that community leaders are not simply born but must be developed and nurtured.

“It was an idea that started percolating after the ’60s,” said Karen Cleveland, President and CEO of Leadership Fairfax. “Our leaders were all political leaders or corporate leaders. There was this idea that maybe there is an intentional way to develop community leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors. We started as a program of the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and began to spin off in 1994.”

The Chamber (now the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce) and Leadership Fairfax shared office space in Vienna until about six years ago, when the Chamber moved. Leadership Fairfax then took over some of its space. “It’s just right for us,” Cleveland said. “We have just four employees; we are largely volunteer-driven.”

A new strategic plan developed in 2016 has laid the groundwork for the future of the organization, she added. “We call it Leadership Fairfax 2.0. We want our community leaders to be as strong as they can be. They tell us they want meaningful connections to the community. We help them make those connections.”

Leadership Fairfax offers three programs: Leadership Fairfax Institute, the Emerging Leaders Program and the Lifetime Leader Program.

The Leadership Fairfax Institute meets once a month over 10 months and is designed for those who have already achieved a level of leadership in their organizations. The 50 participants are divided into diverse, 10-person teams.

Each team chooses a topic to research and is given one day to bring it alive for the rest of the group.

For instance, Cleveland said, “Two years ago one of our teams developed

a series of presentations on the opioid epidemic. They invited a heroin addict to speak. He was in recovery but struggling.

He told the story of being in lockdown one night. He was talking on the phone to his little brother — who he had introduced to drugs — when his brother stopped responding. He knew his brother had overdosed.

“The team also set up stations and there was one where the cohort learned how to tell whether someone has overdosed, and another where everyone played ‘opioid bingo,’ which addressed misconceptions about opioid addiction.

Detectives on the front lines of the problem presented a ‘call to action’ kit that included a medicine disposal kit, information about how to safely store and dispose of medication and a DVD on the topic produced at Mclean High School by the FBI. After the event, members of the cohort started a series

of viewing parties of the film. It was a powerful day.”

The Emerging Leaders Program targets “high-potential folks, people who are just starting to manage people and projects,” Cleveland said. The program is focused on skill development, and teams choose from projects submitted by nonprofits. They research and complete the projects and submit the results to the rest of the cohort.

“We have provided more than $250,000 worth of value to the non-profit community,” Cleveland said.

The Lifetime Leader Program, Cleveland said, “is a reset for people who are retiring. For a lot of people, they have been commuting. When they retire, all their network connections are still working full time. It can be lonely, difficult. They come to us every other week for 12 weeks. We form small groups of 10 to 15 people. We bring in coaches to

help them prepare for what’s next. Do they want to participate in a social enterprise?

Have a part-time job? Volunteer?”

More than 2,000 leaders have graduated from Leadership Fairfax programs in its 30-year history, Cleveland said. Upon graduation, they have gone on to drive real change in Fairfax — in areas such as public safety and education and by addressing issues such as the equity gap, the incarcerated population and even drone policy.

Cleveland is equally enthusiastic about Leadership Fairfax’s next 30 years. “At our 30-year celebration, we asked the question, ‘What’s next? What’s going to happen when all our Baby Boomers retire?’ We also had two of our members give a fun talk about millennials and what they care about. Their answer: Community.

“There is no doubt that we are developing the next generation of leaders.”

Proud to support

We celebrate the Chamber's commitment to the Northern Virginia Business Community Howard Rothman Vice President - Wealth Management 202-942-2871 howard.rothman@ubs.com

The Washingtonian Group 1501 K Street North West Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005-1410

ubs.com/team/washingtonian ©UBS 2018. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-CFB979E9 THE BUSINESS VOICE

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COVER STORY

BY THE NUMBERS $3.2 billion The minimum level of cumulative new general fund revenue Virginia expects to receive over 20 years, after accounting for direct company incentives

$2.5 billion

The minimum capital investment Amazon will make to establish its new Virginia headquarters

6:1

The expected rate of return on Virginia’s incentives to Amazon over 20 years

25,000

The minimum number of new jobs Amazon has committed to produce at its new Virginia headquarters within 10-12 years

28,000

The number of small and medium-sized Virginia businesses that currently sell on Amazon

$29 billion The investment that Amazon has already made in Virginia

$150,000

The minimum average annual compensation of employees at Amazon’s new Virginia headquarters, plus benefits Source: Virginia Governor's Office

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THE BUSINESS VOICE

Development and transportation improvements mapped across the 150-acre National Landing site.

Courtesy JBG Smith

The Amazon Effect THE TECH GIANT’S DECISION TO SPLIT ITS HQ2 BETWEEN THE CRYSTAL CITY AREA AND LONG ISLAND SIGNALS A NEW ERA FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA’S ECONOMIC IDENTITY

BY K A R I P U G H

A

n “unprecedented regional partnership” brought half of Amazon’s HQ2 to Northern Virginia, a move that regional leaders believe will eventually transform the region’s ebbing federal-based economy into a Silicon Valley of the East Coast.

Amazon’s November announcement of its move to Crystal City ended a 14-month process that inspired Northern Virginia localities to engage for the first time in a multi-jurisdictional partnership. The new approach to economic development allowed Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax and Loudoun to present multiple sites to the company under the Northern Virginia brand, highlighting shared regional assets such as workforce, business climate and the innovation economy. The move was so significant that it included a rebranding of several familiar places. In the Amazon era, Pentagon City, Crystal City and Potomac Yard will be known as National Landing, surrounding a 150-acre property owned

by JBG Smith where H2Q will reside.

But what will Amazon’s move mean outside the enclave of National Landing?

“As a former technology executive, I'm really excited about the potential Amazon offers not only to Northern Virginia but the whole capital region and the entire commonwealth,” U.S. Senator Mark Warner said. “We’ve seen that major investments like these can bring not only thousands of direct jobs but also lead to job growth in other industries.”

National Landing brings a $2.5 billion investment into the Washington region, helping its economy continue | W I N T E R 2 019

to move away from dependence on the federal government while bolstering job growth. And it gives a big-name boost to Northern Virginia’s growing reputation as a technology corridor.

‘AMBITIOUS HIRING GOALS’ Hiring begins next year for Amazon’s National Landing, with plans for more than 25,000 new jobs with an average wage of more than $150,000.

Although that may sound like a mass influx of lucrative salaries just over the horizon, Amazon’s fully-realized workforce growth of 25,000 to 37,000 will span more than a decade. That’s just a drop in the bucket, according to the Stephen S. Fuller Institute on Research for the Washington Region’s Economic Future. Since 2015, the Washington area has added more than 50,000 jobs annually, with the region on track to add another 51,600 in 2018.

Not all new jobs associated with Amazon will come with big salaries, of course. But the majority will require higher education degrees and specialized skills, according to Washington-based Brookings Institute.

But “residents with less than a bachelor’s degree might benefit from indirect economic impacts as the influx of highpaying jobs increases demand in retail, food service and entertainment,” the nonprofit public policy organization said in a report on Amazon’s impacts.

So although job growth across the region will be significant, it won’t happen overnight.

“Even with the job growth resulting from any additional spillover effects, job

growth in both the region and [Arlington County] has previously exceeded this amount and is projected to continue to do so,” the Fuller Institute said in its study of Amazon’s potential economic impact.

Another study by Chmura Economics & Analytics in Richmond is more bullish. That report, commissioned by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and McGuireWoods Consulting, predicts Amazon will generate 59,308 jobs in Virginia and inject $14.2 billion into the economy over the next 12 years.

For some Northern Virginia executives,

there’s also concern about who will fill Amazon’s high-paying jobs, and whether H2Q will lure workers from other businesses in need of tech employees.

In a 2016 study, the Northern Virginia Technology Council and Northern Virginia Community College’s NOVA Workforce Center found a major shortage of qualified regional workers in big data, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, network systems and software development.

“Some members of our business community are understandably concerned that Amazon’s ambitious hiring goals will

increase our challenge with workforce shortage,” said Julie Coons, president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

But, she said, the state’s promised education investments in conjunction with the Amazon campus “directly address that challenge.”

‘THINK BIG’ Amazon’s plans for National Landing include major tech education expansions in Northern Virginia, including a new Virginia Tech campus two miles away in Alexandria.

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The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard will cost an estimated $1 billion and include a 1 million-squarefoot graduate campus aimed at driving technology education and research.

In addition, George Mason University plans to open the Institute for Digital InnovAtion in a new 400,000-squarefoot building planned for the university’s Arlington campus. The IDIA facility will house private- and public-sector entities and GMU’s research and graduate education programs.

Virginia will invest $50 million over 20 years in K-12 tech education and internship programming to connect higher ed students to tech jobs, including $25 million for teacher development and summer and after-school programming.

The state is committing another $375 million over 20 years for new master’s degree programs in computer science and related fields at George Mason’s Arlington campus and for Virginia Tech's new campus. The universities will provide matching funds to seed the programs.

“Innovation is the lifeblood of our commonwealth and the driving force of Amazon’s work," Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said in announcing the education incentives. “Together we will think big."

BOLSTERING INFRASTRUCTURE If there’s one great equalizer in the D.C. region, it’s traffic. We all sit in it, we all complain about it, and – let’s be honest - we all felt a twinge of concern for our commutes when Amazon made its National Landing announcement.

The tech giant’s move to the region has prompted promises of state and local investments in transportation infrastructure, taking some long-planned projects, like a Crystal City Metro entrance, off the backburner.

Virginia will invest $195 million on the following mobility improvements, with an incentive of additional funding if Amazon creates more than 25,000 jobs: • A new Crystal City Metrorail Station East entrance • Construction of a southwest entrance at the new Potomac Yard Metro • A pedestrian connector bridge from Crystal City to Reagan National Airport • U.S. 1 improvements in Arlington County 20

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• Transitway expansions throughout National Landing Arlington and Alexandria have committed an additional $570 million collectively to fund rail and gateway connections and transit facilities, as well as invest in multi-modal roads and corridor connectivity.

For state leaders, the hefty incentives are an investment in the future.

“The majority of Virginia’s partnership proposal consists of investments in our education and transportation infrastructure that will bolster the features that make Virginia so attractive: a strong and talented workforce, a stable and competitive business climate and a world-class higher education system,” Gov. Northam said.

HOUSING IMPACTS, PROMISES Will Amazon’s headquarters here create a housing crisis like Seattle’s? Over the past five years, home prices there have jumped by 72 percent and rents by 31 percent, according to MarketWatch, a national real estate research organization. A generation of families, many highly-paid young tech workers, have been priced out.

Northern Virginia’s share of HQ2 will generate additional demand for housing, according to the Fuller Institute. But it probably will be gradual, and spread over the D.C. region.

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WHERE WILL AMAZON WORKERS LIVE? Which counties and cities stand to gain new households when Amazon's Arlington HQ2 is fully realized? Here’s a projected breakdown, based on direct and indirect employment increases: FAIRFAX COUNTY:

24,558

ARLINGTON COUNTY:

9,065

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA:

3,452

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY:

6,737

LOUDOUN COUNTY:

5,787

STAFFORD AND FREDERICKSBURG:

1,422

Source: The Stephen S. Fuller Institute

A rendering of the National Landing development in Arlington County, with Amazon as its anchor.

Courtesy JBG Smith

Even so, that demand will undoubtedly increase both home sales prices and rental rates, though not in the dramatic fashion seen in the Seattle area.

“My sense is that Amazon’s arrival will not have an immediate noticeable impact, but will over time be a contributor to increased values in close-in Northern Virginia,” said Carol Temple, a certified residential specialist with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

While courting Amazon, leaders in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. made several commitments to the Internet giant to address affordable housing, including working with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on a new regional initiative, pledging tax breaks for production of affordable housing and implementing programs to preserve it.

Arlington plans to invest $7 million per year over the next 10 years toward more than 1,000 affordable housing units in neighborhoods around National Landing, while Alexandria plans investments of $8 million per year over the next decade, resulting in 1,000 to 1,400 or more new units.

LOOKING FORWARD Amazon already has a substantial footprint in Virginia, part of the reason the tech giant decided to anchor half its HQ2 headquarters here. The company’s Virginia operations include six fulfillment and sort centers, three Prime Now hubs, six solar facilities, several large data centers and the East Coast campus of Amazon Web Services.

Since 2011, Amazon has invested more than $29 billion across the state.

It’s just the beginning.

“We are excited to build new headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon. “These two locations will allow us to attract world-class talent that will help us to continue inventing for customers for years to come. The team did a great job selecting these sites, and we look forward to becoming an even bigger part of these communities.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING We are proud that Amazon has selected National Landing for a major new headquarters. This is, above all, a validation of our community’s commitment to sustainability, transit-oriented development, affordable housing and diversity.”

— KATIE CRISTOL, ARLINGTON COUNTY BOARD CHAIR

This is a big win for Virginia. I’m proud Amazon recognizes the tremendous assets the Commonwealth has to offer and plans to deepen its roots here. Virginia put together a proposal for Amazon that we believe represents a new model of economic development for the 21st century, and I'm excited to say that our innovative approach was successful.”

— RALPH NORTHAM, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA

We in Alexandria could not be more excited and proud for Amazon to call National Landing home. Throughout this process, we have worked with our colleagues in Arlington to highlight the collective strengths of our communities – our workforce, education, infrastructure and our unparalleled quality of life – all of which will be strengthened by this new investment from Amazon, the Commonwealth and our localities.”

— ALLISON SILBERBERG, FORMER MAYOR OF ALEXANDRIA

We are incredibly pleased to partner with Amazon on their new headquarters. Their selection of National Landing is a fantastic outcome for the entire region and reflects the close collaboration between the JBG Smith team and our partners in Arlington, Alexandria and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

— MATT KELLY, CEO, JBG SMITH

Amazon coming to Northern Virginia is one of the most exciting developments of recent years for our region. Amazon brings a brand to Northern Virginia that tells the global business world what we already know – that Northern Virginia is a world-class business environment with amazing assets to build and grow a business. Amazon also brings us the added energy to our entrepreneurial economy that I expect will give rise to growth in new company establishment.”

— JULIE COONS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

We have an amazing education continuum in Virginia. Our state is a good home for companies like Amazon who need a quality workforce.”

-- ATIF QARNI, VIRGINIA SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

I’m thrilled that our skilled workforce helped persuade Amazon to bring a major new headquarters and its tens of thousands of jobs to Virginia. Congratulations are in order to governors McAuliffe and Northam and the local leaders who worked to ensure that this deal includes investments in our education and transportation infrastructure.”

— U.S. SENATOR TIM KAINE

George Mason University is delighted to welcome Amazon to Virginia. To support this massive investment, the university has announced its plan to launch a new Institute for Digital InnovAtion (IDIA) that will house over 1,200 entrepreneurs, researchers, technologists, and business leaders on its Arlington campus, and to establish a new School of Computing with a student body that will grow to 15,000 in the coming decades, adding significant capacity in the areas of computer science, information technology, and other closely related fields.”

— DR. ANGEL CABRERA, PRESIDENT, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

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Contractor of the Year: UP TO $25 MILLION

InCadence Strategic Solutions

AWARDS 2018 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ Winners

O

n November 5, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council were pleased to host 1,000 business leaders from the government contracting and regional business community at the 16th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™, the premier awards event for the Washington area government contracting community. Presented annually, the awards honor the leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence of the individuals and businesses in the region's government contracting sector.

The nominations period took place from March through June. Finalists and winners were chosen by an independent selection committee from a competitive field of applicants. The winners on this page represent the top of an industry critical to Greater Washington’s economic success.

Above: Craig Chason, Partner, Pillsbury; Rich LaFleur, Partner in Charge – Markets, Industries and Clients – Atlantic Coast Region; Grant Thornton LLP, Contractor of the Year Winner Representative; Julie Coons, President & CEO, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Emily W. Murphy, Administrator, U.S. General Services Administration; Marybeth Wootton, CEO, Berico Technologies; John Wood, CEO and Chairman of the Board, Telos Corporation; John Goodman, Chief Executive, Accenture, and other winners.

Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ Hall of Fame Inductee: George J. Pedersen Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, ManTech International Previous Hall of Fame Inductees 2003 Philip Odeen 2004 Dan Bannister 2005 Earle C. Williams 2006 John M. Toups 2007 Charles Rossotti 2008 Norman R. Augustine 2009 Alvin Nashman 2010 Clifford M. Kendall

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2011 Dr. Robert Beyster 2012 Dr. J. Ph illip (Jack) London 2013 Dr. Ernst Volgenau 2014 Ray Oleson

2015 Paul Lombardi & Stan Soloway 2016 Donna Morea 2017 Dr. Ernst Volgenau

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GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING GovCon’s 2018 Executives of the Year Talk the Past, the Present, and… Amazon

BY R O B I N E A R L

JOHN GOODMAN, CEO of Accenture Federal Services

JOHN WOOD, CEO and chairman of the board for Telos Corporation

MARYBETH WOOTTON, CEO of Berico Technologies

A

mong the business leaders recognized at the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards ceremony in November were Marybeth Wootton, CEO of Berico Technologies, John Wood, CEO and chairman of the board of Telos Corporation, and John Goodman, chief executive of Accenture Federal Services.

The three, who were named executives of the year, have a total of 75 years of government contracting background.

That rich experience allows them to put the current business climate and its ever-increasing need for speed into perspective.

“I’ve been in this sector for more than 25 years,” Wootton said, “and in the past five to 10 have seen a growing focus on small business and startups. Twenty years ago, the government relied on a few dozen large companies for its needs. Now, many leaders are turning first to small, agile and entrepreneurial companies to help them solve even large-scale challenges.”

Telos’ Wood has seen similar changes.

He noted that there’s a “growing recognition that more agile acquisition methods are needed for cybersecurity and important technologies. The government’s entire process of seeking and purchasing new technologies to meet its rapidly changing needs is entirely too slow and cumbersome. All government agencies need to make greater use of faster, more innovative acquisition methods to get the technologies they need when they need them, and before

they’re outdated. That’s why we have seen a gradual but growing acceptance of the use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs). Speed is critical in the IT field, and OTA contracts can enable contracting officers to make awards and generally avoid protracted protests that are so often unsuccessful.”

Before spending 25 years in government contracting, Accenture’s Goodman worked in the federal government — in the White House and the Department of Defense. In all that time, he said, “I’ve never seen such a large gap between the expectations of citizens and the reality of government.” Now, he added, “The advancement of digital technology enables us to close that gap.”

“The government is becoming more adept at making that happen,” he assured. “In the digital era, continuous change is normal, and that is challenging for government agencies.

They need to keep abreast of changes and have an agile process in place to continually modernize.”

Goodman believes the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are exciting; for example, AI can dramatically transform companies that process claims.

It can reduce call wait time by responding to routine questions, allowing real people to focus on the difficult questions.

“Much of discussion on AI is focused on risks,” he added. “People worry about AI making incorrect or biased decisions. But people should be heartened to know the amount of discussion that

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goes on around these technologies.

Great care is taken. AI has the ability to rapidly analyze data, to sharpen choices that need to be made. Logically, this technology should enable better decisions. AI can handle these kinds of data-driven decisions, so human analysts can focus on solving big problems.”

Wood agrees that the federal government appears to be picking up speed and adopting new practices faster than before. “Things like cloud computing, agile software development, machine learning, and use of OTAs have gained momentum across the government,” Wood said.

“This is very encouraging.”

At the state level, Wood is heartened by the approval last year of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), which he believes has huge potential for the region. “The CCI is going to provide a framework under which Virginia’s public universities and colleges will

collaborate with the private sector on a consortium to develop innovative cybersecurity strategies, conduct cyber research and development and help cultivate and train future cyber leaders.”

What do these business leaders think about Amazon’s decision to locate its HQ2 in and near the Crystal City area of Arlington?

Wootton is enthusiastic: “My company has been an Amazon Web Services partner for a long time, and we are excited about Amazon's decision. Of course, that will create a strain on the labor market, but in the long run it will also create a terrific pipeline and pool of technical and business talent. As a tech entrepreneur in this area, I think it's also highly encouraging. This sort of talent and business surge will be a very positive draw for new startups and investors that could be part of the Amazon ecosystem.”

Wood added, “From the tech startups in Arlington, to the data

centers in the Dulles corridor and Loudoun County, and the many academic institutions doing great work in research and development, NOVA has become the Silicon Valley of the East Coast. While some in the industry worry that Amazon will monopolize the region’s tech talent, I tend to disagree. Tech and cybersecurity talent are not finite, and I am hopeful Amazon will attract even more talent into the region, and work with local academic institutions to develop a strong workforce pipeline.”

Goodman also believes the move is positive for the region. “It furthers and enhances our position as major tech hub in the country. It strengthens the voice of companies in the area that want to modernize. And of course, it will have an obvious impact on the labor market. In both the short and long term, it will be good for our region, industry and government.”

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SPOTLIGHT on education

Dr. Irma Becerra (second from left) walks with students in front of the Sacred Heart of Mary Chapel.

Marymount was founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary congregation.

Marymount University’s Dr. Irma Becerra Jumping in with both feet to prepare students for success

D

BY R O B I N E A R L | P H O T O S CO U R T E S Y O F M A RY M O U N T U N I V E R S I T Y

r. Irma Becerra has been president of Marymount University only since July, but she clearly has jumped in with both feet. On November 10, she won first place in the 2018 DC’s Dancing Stars celebrity dance competition.

“I like to dance a lot, but have never before danced professionally. It was more demanding than I thought it would be,” Dr. Becerra said. “I think I’ll quit while I’m on top.”

In addition to the $55,000 she raised leading up to the competition, first prize earned an extra $10,000 for 28

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Marymount. The $65,000 is being used to start the Sister Majella Berg Internship Fund, which provides a stipend to students working in unpaid internships.

Dr. Becerra is a firm believer in the benefits of such practical experience for her students, and Marymount’s proximity to Washington offers rich opportunities. “We are 10 minutes from the White House,” she said. “D.C. is our classroom.”

Marymount’s main academic and residential buildings are on Glebe Road in Arlington. The university’s Ballston Center for

business is in Arlington’s professional district, and the nearby 4040 North Fairfax Drive complex houses several medical programs.

Currently, 2,323 students are enrolled as undergraduates and 1,070 as graduate students. Dr. Becerra would like to see those numbers grow. “We have capacity for 6,000 on-the-ground students, and we’d like to expand our online offerings as well.”

The university’s strategic plan — to be announced in March 2019, at Dr. Becerra’s inauguration — has the total student population capped between 8,000 and 10,000. “We are not really looking to grow to the size of the larger public schools. We want to maintain a personalized experience for our students.”

Marymount’s student body leads the nation in global diversity, according to U.S. News & World Report, with 76 countries represented. Dr. Becerra is a Cuban-born American who immigrated to the United States with her parents. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Miami and went on to become the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Florida International University (FIU).

She founded FIU’s Knowledge Management Lab and led major projects as principal investigator at the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the Air Force Research “We are well Lab. She was also a Sloan Scholar at MIT’s positioned Center for Information Systems Research.

Dr. Becerra has written four books and to have the numerous journal articles about knowledge conversation with management and business intelligence. Her Amazon. What are original research has spanned enterprise their interests? systems, disaster management and IT How best can entrepreneurship. we support their After years as a working scientist, Dr. Becerra fell in love with teaching and employment returned to academia. needs? We are “I love the DNA of Marymount: a practical ready to be a education underpinned by the liberal arts.” She strong partner explained that Marymount was founded on the with Amazon.” idea that “education prepares you for work,” and those principles still guide the school.

- DR. BECERRA Dr. Becerra believes firmly that this philosophy is good for Marymount students and good for Northern Virginia. “Our degrees are 21st-century degrees, in nursing, cybersecurity, psychology, from undergrad all the way to doctorate. Our degrees reflect the needs of our community.”

Amazon’s announcement that it will locate half of its HQ2 in the Crystal City area was welcome news to Dr. Becerra.

“We are well positioned to have the conversation with Amazon.

What are their interests? How best can we support their employment needs? We are ready to be a strong partner with Amazon.”

In an effort to ensure that Marymount students are ready to flourish in Northern Virginia’s technologically advanced workforce, Dr. Becerra recently signed an agreement with Workday for a new enterprise resource planning system.

“It will be the information technology central nervous system of our business. Student recruitment, HR, housing, it’s all integrated.

We wanted to make a leap to the gold standard,” by providing the intuitive technology that students need and expect, she said.

Dr. Becerra said that the $6 million commitment to Workday is part of the university’s effort to continue to provide “a culture of extraordinary service to students.”

Top to Bottom: President Becerra and Marymount University students pay their respects to the fallen at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. President Irma Becerra sits with faculty to discuss university goals. Becerra took office as the seventh president of Marymount on July 1. President Becerra won the 2018 DC’s Dancing Stars celebrity dance competition. Her winning cha-cha scored her $10,000 on top of the more than $50,000 she raised for the Sister Majella Berg Internship Fund to support students in unpaid internships.

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SPOTLIGHT

on small business

Helios HR shines a light on talent acquisition

R

BY K A R I P U G H

eston-based Helios HR takes its name from a mythological god of the sun, a bow to founder and CEO’s Kathy Albarado’s Greek heritage.

But the moniker wasn’t decided on impulse.

The woman-owned human capital and talent acquisition firm got its start 17 years ago, when Albarado helped Dan and Tim Price scale speechapplication service PriceInteractive by creating a platform and hiring hundreds of people over three years, with no brand recognition and no government contracts.

She found the experience exhilarating — and inspiring.

“When the owners sold to a publicly traded company for more than three times the revenue generated, I decided to launch the company that has become Helios HR today,” Albarado said. “We had created such a strong organizational culture that I wanted to work with other leaders to help them attract, engage and retain exceptional people.”

From there, Helios HR evolved.

Initially, Albarado and her team worked with a branding company to interview clients and get feedback on the name.

“They used words to describe us like: dynamic, impactful, results-oriented, engaging,” she said. “We claimed the company color, orange (before it was the new black), as we felt it represented these words.”

Today, Helios HR has a customer base from Baltimore to central Virginia, with “clients increasingly reaching out to us throughout North America and even internationally,” Albarado said.

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Helios HR founder and CEO Kathy Albarado began the company 17 years ago. Today the firm is well known for attracting and hiring talent and developing future leaders.

The company is best known for helping organizations during times of transformation to attract and hire talent, navigate the modern workplace and develop future leaders.

Helios HR’s office culture is aimed at keeping employees and clients loyal and engaged, a strategy that has helped the company attract “significant brands,” Albarado said.

Helios HR 1900 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 520, Reston Phone: 703.860.3882 Website: HeliosHR.com Email: info@helioshr.com

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“As an employer, we encourage our team members to bring their whole selves to work, so that we can support one another both professionally and personally,” she said. “Our culture provides a supportive and collaborative environment the team describes as an ‘HR and recruiting think tank’ where employees can bounce ideas off one another, ask questions, get feedback and discuss leading trends. When a client engages Helios, they have access to our entire team of resources.”

With the talent landscape everchanging, Helios has created opportunities for clients and community organizations to connect and share innovative trends, including hosting the Helios Apollo Awards for 10 years to recognize leaders for outstanding human capital programs.

“As an employer, we encourage our team members to bring their whole selves to work, so that we can support one another both professionally and personally.”

The awards program has evolved into the Human Capital Impact Forum, a more intimate setting that brings together HR and C-level leaders to learn about impactful business practices.

“Helios HR’s values are operate with intention, demonstrate caring, be engaged, and make big things happen through a growth mindset, and we are fortunate to attract strong team members whose values align with our own,” Albarado said. “The culture of an organization should attract the right people and repel those that are not a good fit.”

Transforming Helios HR into what it is today began with gradually building a leadership team, helping create institutional knowledge and establishing specialties such as government contracting, compensation, training and development and recruiting.

“We also provide a unique ability to send senior HR professionals out on an

interim basis to help organizations of all sizes with an HR leadership transition,” Albarado said.

In 2018, Helios appointed Ethan Gill as president, allowing Albarado to focus on reconnecting with the relationships she spent 30 years in the business developing.

Albarado first met Gill in early 2006 when he ran a competing firm, HR Advantage. Later that year, she acquired HR Advantage after finding she and Gill shared many of the same values.

“Ethan went on to serve in robust C-level roles for several top local and national companies before coming back to Helios in 2016,” she said. “His mindset for growth and questioning what is possible has pushed us all a bit outside of our comfort zone at times and we are a stronger organization as a result.”

“We are in a remarkable place today and I am excited about all that the future holds.”

— Helios HR founder and CEO Kathy Albarado

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www.viu.edu 1-800-514-6848 info@viu.edu Federal Financial Aid and Veteran’s Benefits available for those who qualify.

VIU is certified to operate in Virginia by SCHEV. Accredited Member, ACICS.

he founder and President of Virginia International University, Dr. Isa Sarac has been involved in Higher Education and teaching for more than 40 years. His career began in Turkey at Ege University and Uludag University and his own studies took him to the United Kingdom and then the United States where he founded Virginia International University in 1998.

The Washington Metropolitan region is home to many nationalities as people from across the globe migrate to the area to work jobs at multi-national corporate institutions.

Individuals are attracted to the culturally diverse experiences that exist locally and often want to continue their own education to excel in the U.S. job market.

Dr. Sarac established Virginia International University in response to the demand for well trained professionals able to work in a variety of career fields that are technology driven. The University provides affordable higher education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels along with certificate programs including English as a Second Language for those new to the country. Dr. Sarac takes exceptional pride in VIU’s generous Student Scholarship Fund made possible by the generosity of donors.

Through scholarships many deserving students are empowered to earn their degree and achieve

their dream of a better future. VIU now serves the local community, the international community, and the multi-national corporate structures in the Metro area. Students and graduates of VIU are afforded academic internships and career placement assistance for their success at top companies in the D.C. region and beyond.

VIU focuses on the fields of Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Education, and Public and International Affairs. It is an accredited university and was ranked by BestColleges. com as #1 Best Online Program in Virginia because of its affordability, academic program outcomes, and depth of online learning opportunities. Dr. Sarac’s vision is to provide a place of cultural oneness through the diversity of faculty, staff, and students who attend the private, non-profit institution.

Corporate and university partnerships remain at the forefront of VIU’s strategic growth plan for the years to come.

To be part of Dr. Sarac’s vision that is life-changing for students locally and abroad, visit the online donation page at www.viu. edu/giving/give-now/. Your tax-deductible donation will be recognized and will make a difference in VIU’s on-going mission of providing affordable, career-focused education.

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SPOTLIGHT

on nonprofits

Talk of the Town: TEDxTysons Makes Its Mark

BY J E N N I F E R E . G O L D M A N | P H O T O S BY R O S S I B O R N E O F O R T I M E L I N E M E D I A

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hat do a former U.S. ambassador, selfproclaimed science comedian, 18-year-old entrepreneur, and former pro football player Ben Utecht all have in common? They were among the 12 individuals and one musical duo who performed at the sold-out TEDxTysons event in November.

The event’s founders couldn’t have been more pleased.

“This is the best attended event we’ve had yet,” said co-founder Josh Stillman.

“It’s not only bigger, but the quality, across every front, has improved.”

Stillman attributed the positive changes to the increased strength of the three-year-old program as well as the growth of its all-volunteer team.

“We now have more professional volunteers,” Stillman said. “We’ve added six speaker coaches and two producers.”

The speaker coaches, Stillman explained, are valuable because the curators aren’t on the lookout for great speakers -- they look for great ideas. In fact, that’s the tagline of the original TED Talks: ideas worth spreading.

Formally organized in 1984, TED Talks have captured the attention of millions worldwide, but very few know that the acronym stands for technology, entertainment and design. Fewer still are aware that TED presenters don’t have to have public speaking experience, but they do need to impress the event curators with an idea that’s new or a unique perspective on an old idea.

The concept, Stillman says, isn’t to change someone’s mind. The idea is to open minds, to inspire people to action, 32 26

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to find new links to connect community members. And there’s clearly no shortage of good ideas; here or globally. At under 18 minutes per presentation, you could watch back-to-back TED Talks on YouTube for a solid month and not run out.

The 2018 TEDxTysons presenters performed under the theme of “legacy” and spoke on topics such as increasing voter turnout by throwing more parties, solving loneliness through charitable giving, and connecting more effectively with the world around you by tapping into the curiosity we embraced as children.

The presentations were all unique and inspiring, but they were only part of the event’s agenda. TEDxTysons 2018 also included a buffet-style dinner, a musical performance, an after-party and several additional activities in the community the following day.

“We endeavor to be the one day each year that people take as an investment in themselves and to connect with their community,” Stillman said.

At a local chamber meeting a little more than three years ago, Stillman found himself in a conversation with co-founders Stacy Bradford and Ashwood Heffern about the level of energy and enthusiasm that surrounds TED Talks. The three agreed that it was something they’d like to experience in Northern Virginia, and in 2015 they founded the nonprofit organization that would be their vehicle for launching TEDxTysons.

“It’s important to the three of us to promote and propagate good ideas and be a catalyst for creating cohesion and community,” Stillman said.

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Having sold out all 450 seats at The State Theatre in Falls Church for the 2018 event, Stillman and his partners may have to find a larger venue for the 2019 version. With that up in the air, one thing will be new for certain this year: TEDxTysons is hosting its first ever open mic night. If your bucket list includes giving a TED Talk, you’ll want to get your three-minute pitch ready.

The TEDxTysons Open Mic Night will be March 20 at the Alden Theatre in McLean. One pitch, out of 50 hopefuls, will be selected to be presented at a future TEDxTysons event.

The TEDxTysons coordinators aren’t ready to announce the theme of this year’s event just yet, but it’s clear that they and their 2018 speaker lineup successfully accomplished last year’s theme.

“TEDxTysons was a great vision a few years ago,” said Barry H. Biggar, President and CEO of Visit Fairfax. “[The founders] have not only realized their vision but have created an event that defines and complements all the things that have been envisioned for Tysons’ future.

The founders and organizers exemplify forward thinking, innovation and creativity, bringing a vibrancy to our area.”

With a growing number of passionate volunteers, surging interest in presenting and increasing attendance, TEDxTysons has already established itself as an organization that is leaving its own impressive legacy – one of creating cohesion and community involvement and spreading great ideas in Northern Virginia.

For more information, please visit TEDxTysons.com or email info@ TEDxTysons.com.

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1 Former pro football player Ben Utecht was one of the evening’s speakers 2 TEDxTysons founders Stacy Bradford, Ashwood Heffern, and Josh Stillman 3 TEDxTysons 2018 hosts Chris Ulrich and Eva Jones 4 Speaker Rob Scheer 5 Speaker Tara Wilson-Jones 6 Performers Tom Teasely and Chao Tian 7 Event speakers and organizers, from left to right: Chao Tian, Tara Wilson-Jones, Rob Scheer, Tom Teasley, Kasha Patel, John Heffern, Ben Utecht, Marissa Sumathipala, Linda ThomasGreenfield, Michael Morales, Mark Charles, Chris Ulrich, Eva Lewis, Eileen Ellsworth, Jenn Brown. Front row, kneeling, from left to right: Josh Stillman, Dr. Kurt Newman, Ashwood Heffern, Jack Bobo, Stacy Bradford, Sherrita Wilkins T TH HE E B BU US S II N NE ES SS S V VO O II C CE E

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EVENTS chamber signature gatherings

2018 Annual State of Healthcare

On November 13, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of Healthcare summit.

Business leaders throughout the region attended the event that featured Secretary Daniel Carey, M.D., Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources, along with a robust panel of experts from across the healthcare field. In an eventful year for healthcare in both the Commonwealth and across the country, the discussion centered around the continued changes in the healthcare market and what they mean for your business and for the industry.

1 | Keynote speaker, Daniel Carey, M.D., Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Commonwealth of Virginia.

2 | Panelists Sean T. Connaughton, President and CEO, Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association; Jennifer S. Lee, M.D., Director, Department of Medical Assistance Services, Virginia State Medicaid Agency; Sunil Budhrani, M.D., MPH, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Innovation Health; Wayne D. Wilson, Vice President, Government Programs and External Relations, Kaiser Permanente.

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GovCon Talent for the Next Gen: Recruit, Retain, Retire, Reward

On November 19, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted GovCon Talent for the NextGen: Recruit, Retain, Retire, Reward at the Arlington campus of George Mason University. A panel of speakers including chief human resources officers, retired or soon to be retired industry leaders, millennials in the field, and a variety of other stakeholders offered attendees their insights on all four facets of the topic.

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1 | Marion Ruzecki, Chief People Officer, KeyW; Lauren Liddle, Junior HR Consultant, Helios HR; Laura Giangiuli, Vice President, Human Resources, CALIBRE Systems, Inc.; Ben Ingham, Manager of Digital and Creative Strategy, Peraton; panel moderator Kathy Albarado, President and CEO, Helios HR. 2 | Laura Giangiuli, Vice President, Human Resources, CALIBRE Systems, Inc. 3 | Lauren Liddle, Junior HR Consultant, Helios HR. 4 | Panel moderator Kathy Albarado, President and CEO, Helios HR, and Marion Ruzecki, Chief People Officer, KeyW. 5 | Ben Ingham, Manager of Digital and Creative Strategy, Peraton.

2018 How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers

On November 30, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted its Women in Business signature event: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch Their Careers. Moderated by Tamika L. Tremaglio, Managing Principal for the Greater Washington Area, Deloitte, and featuring keynote speaker Pauline Brown, Former Chairman of North America, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the event included many of our region’s most influential and powerful women.

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1 | Keynote speaker Pauline Brown, Former Chairman of Northern America, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton 2 | Moderator Tamika L. Tremaglio, Managing Principal for the Greater Washington Area, Deloitte 3 | From left to right: moderator Tamika L. Tremaglio, Managing Principal for the Greater Washington Area, Deloitte; Susan Tynan, Founder and CEO, Framebridge; Meghan Ogilvie, CEO, Dog Tag Inc.; Lee Prince, Founder, Elegant Mayhem; Machelle Williams, Senior Director, Volkswagen

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2018 Capital Region Workforce Summit

On December 5, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Greater Washington Partnership, held the 2018 Capital Region Workforce Summit. This conversation with top leaders in the business community focused on the most pressing issues affecting our region’s workforce. Topics included recruitment, training and retention strategies used by leading regional companies, ways to achieve better outcomes by integrating talent management with business strategy, innovative methods to boost employee engagement, and new approaches for aligning higher education with employer needs.

1 | Regional Corporate Leaders Panelists from left to right: Bonnie Zuckerman, Manager, Apprenticeships and External Partnerships, Northrop Grumman; Patricia Porter, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton; Jon Salmons, Vice President, Recruiting, Nestlé USA; Dori Ramsey, Vice President, Human Resources, WGL Holdings and Washington Gas. Moderator: Scott Ralls, President, Northern Virginia Community College 2 | Featured Keynote Panelists from left to right: Paul Feeko, Global and Americas Chief Talent Development Officer, Ernst & Young LLP; Alison Corazzini, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Capital One. Moderator: Jason Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Washington Partnership

2018 Holiday Reception

On December 17, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Holiday Reception. This premier networking opportunity was attended by the Chamber’s dynamic member companies, top investors, elected officials and community leaders who came together to reflect on and celebrate the year.

Tysons Realty Inc. Pauline Thompson F ounder, President, CEO

Retail, Office, Industrial, Apts., Land Washington DC Metro Area

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2018 Senatorial Roundtable

On December 13, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted a unique roundtable discussion featuring Virginia’s two U.S. senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and moderated by Julie Carey, Northern Virginia Bureau Chief of NBC4. The event offered the rare opportunity to hear Warner and Kaine discuss their efforts to support the regional economy and the growth of the Commonwealth. The discussion touched on the diverse issues affecting business in Northern Virginia including transportation and infrastructure, cybersecurity, national security assets, tax reform, trade policy, health care, and emerging/innovative business sectors, as well as what decisions made in Washington might mean for the future of Northern Virginia’s business climate.

1 | From left to right: U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine with moderator Julie Carey of NBC4.

Freedom Boat Club Virginia Corporate Memberships • Waterfront Dining • Cruise DC and Monuments • Entertain or Host Guests

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NEW MEMBERS Let’s give ’em a warm welcome

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THE SKILLS TO DO THE JOB Fauquier County and Lord Fairfax Community College have partnered to create a unique locally funded and locally managed workforce development program.

We can help your business meet your workforce needs, enhance your productivity and earn state and local incentives.

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