As NVC’s NOVA Roadmap initiative approaches its first anniversary on July 21, 2026, the Government Relations team continues to advocate for the interests of Northern Virginia’s business community. In June, Austin Vitale stepped into the role of Government Relations Manager, succeeding Charlie Russ after spending the past 10 months as NVC’s Member Experience Manager.
Before joining NVC, Austin served as Correspondence Manager for the 2024 Democratic Coordinated Campaign. He also spent eight years on Capitol Hill in the offices of Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock and Congressman Jimmy Panetta, taking on a range of legislative and constituent-focused roles.
We recently sat down with Austin to discuss his new position, his experience in public service, and his vision for advancing NVC’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the region’s business community.
Q: As you step into your new role as Government Relations Manager, how will your prior experience shape your approach?
A: It’s exciting to begin this new role after spending the past 10 months on the Membership Team getting to know our members and NVC’s programs. I look forward to utilizing these existing relationships to advocate on behalf of our members and advance the priorities of the NOVA Roadmap in Richmond and across Northern Virginia. Having a strong understanding of our members’ goals and challenges will help ensure their voices are represented in conversations shaping the region’s future.
Q: How will your background in government relations help drive collaboration and value for our members and the broader organization?
A: My background includes nearly a decade working with elected officials at all levels to build meaningful relationships with community stakeholders and identify areas for collaboration that turn priorities into action. As we work to advance the NOVA Roadmap, I look forward to connecting members with policymakers, community leaders, and regional partners to help move shared goals forward. My calendar is always open to anyone, and our members can expect to hear from me frequently.
Q: Based on NOVA Roadmap’s priorities, where do you see opportunities for NVC to advance its advocacy work, and how will you help drive that?
A: As Northern Virginia diversifies its economy and continues to attract world-class talent, there are exciting opportunities to engage with elected officials and institutions at the local, state, and federal levels. By leveraging the NOVA Roadmap as a framework for regional collaboration, we can help connect our business community with strategic resources and policy solutions that sustain growth, competitiveness, and address emerging barriers. I look forward to helping ensure our members are active partners in shaping the region’s continued success.
Organizations that want to play a direct role in shaping the region’s economic future are encouraged to engage in the NOVA Roadmap. To learn more about joining this effort, please contact NVC’s Senior Vice President of Member Engagement, Jared Sloane. To see the full NVC staff directory, view the website.
