Virginia Business magazine named Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), to its “Most Influential Virginians” list for the fifth consecutive year. The list, in the magazine’s March issue, highlights 50 individuals from around the state who “help drive change and growth.”

“Economic development has the potential of improving the lives of entire communities," Gordon said. "Fairfax County is fortunate to be served by elected officials and dedicated citizens who are able to see and appreciate the nexus between economic development and the overall long-term health of the community and its citizens. I am honored to be on the magazine’s list again."

In naming Gordon, the magazine noted that since he came to the FCEDA, Fairfax County has witnessed the number of jobs in the county increase from 243,000 to nearly 600,000. The magazine also pointed out that the county is home to eight Fortune 500 headquarters.

“Gordon has overseen the transformation of the county from a bedroom community of Washington, D.C., to one of the most prosperous business communities in the U.S.,” the magazine wrote.

The magazine noted that Gordon, author of 12 books on economic development and strategic planning, is working on this 13^th, defining a new economic growth theory. It is scheduled for release in mid-2018.

Virginia Business named Gordon its 2010 “Virginia Business Person of the Year.” In 2015, he received the Jeffrey A. Finkle Award for Organizational Leadership from the International Economic Development Council. Virginia Business also observed that Gordon is chairing the advisory board of the George Mason University Honors College.

Selected in the category of Economic Development, Gordon is one of 15 Fairfax County representatives on the 2017 Virginia Business list. That includes five in the category of Government Contracting: Wesley G. Bush, president and CEO, Northrop Grumman; Roger Krone, chairman and CEO, Leidos; Mike Lawrie, president and CEO of CSC; Anthony Moraco, CEO of SAIC; Phebe Novakovic, chairman and CEO, General Dynamics.

Others on the list: Richard D. Fairbank, CEO, Capital One (Banking/Financing); Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System (Health Care/Research); Christopher Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton Worldwide (Hospitality and Tourism); Warren Thompson, president and chairman, Thompson Hospitality (Hospitality and Tourism); James W. Dyke Jr., senior adviser, Virginia state government relations, for McGuireWoods Consulting (Law); Robert Kettler, CEO, Kettler Inc. (Real Estate/Construction); Milt and Jon Peterson, principals of The Peterson Cos. (Real Estate/Construction); Bobbie Kilberg, president and CEO, Northern Virginia Technology Council (Technology); Steve Case, chairman and CEO, Revolution LLC (Venture Capital).

Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth and innovation helps Fairfax County fund one of the nation’s most prestigious school systems and other public services that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a vibrant investment capital community and a highly skilled and well-educated workforce.

The award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Twitter and LinkedIn.