Fairfax County Economic Development Authority



The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) is a public entity financed by the Fairfax government to promote the county as a business location. The FCEDA was chartered by the Virginia General Assembly as an independent authority. The authority is directed by a seven member board that is appointed by the Fairfax Board of Supervisors. Every day operations are managed by President Gerald Gordon.

Board members

 * Steven Davis (Chairman)
 * Michael Lewis (Vice Chairman, Treasurer)
 * Ronald Johnson (Secretary)
 * Catherine Lange (Assistant Secretary)
 * Mark Lowham
 * Arthur E. Morrissette
 * Sudhakar Shenoy

History
In October 1956, the Board of Supervisors created the Fairfax County Economic and Industrial Development Committee. William B. Wrench was appointed by the Board of Supervisors on July 24, 1957 as the executive director of the committee, although Supervisor Stuart T. DeBell protested Wrench's $11,750 salary.

In 1960, Albert J. Klingel, Jr. was named executive director of the Committee.

The Virginia General Assembly in 1964 expanded on the board's economic efforts by allowing it to create an independent authority. Following a 1976 "blue ribbon commission" report, the Fairfax supervisors tasked the FCEDA with "developing and executing a business attraction and retention program in order to stimulate a job creation and build the commercial tax base." The commercial task revenue is used to finance public services for an expanding population.

In 1974, David A. Edwards was appointed as executive director of the authority. After 7 years, Edwards announced his resignation in December, 1981, planning to leave on May 14, 1982.

Following Edwards' departure, April L. Young was appointed the executive director of the authority in June 1982, taking office on July 13.