From childcare and workforce policy to artificial intelligence (AI), NVC’s three-part series examines the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Northern Virginia’s talent landscape.
Northern Virginia’s economy has long been driven by one of its greatest strengths: its people. But as employers navigate talent shortages, evolving workforce policies, rising costs, and rapid technological change, the conversation around workforce development is becoming more complex than ever.
To examine these challenges and opportunities, NVC is launching its inaugural Workforce Series, a three-part virtual program aligned with the NOVA Roadmap. The series will bring together business leaders and policymakers, and subject matter experts for focused discussions on some of the most pressing workforce issues facing the region today.
Designed to be concise, practical, and accessible, each one-hour virtual session will explore a critical component of workforce success: childcare infrastructure, workforce policy, and workforce readiness in an AI-driven economy. NVC is creating a space where business and policy leaders can connect around solutions that strengthen Northern Virginia’s talent pipeline and economic competitiveness.
According to NVC’s newly released Q3 Business Leader Survey conducted in partnership with Pinkston, 80% of respondents reported plans to either maintain current staffing levels or increase hiring. The data shows that there is still an overwhelming need for employers to attract, develop, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive market.
The Workforce Series is rooted in the NOVA Roadmap. The Roadmap recognizes that workforce participation is influenced by more than job availability alone. Factors such as childcare, housing affordability, transportation, career pathways, and access to training all play a role in whether individuals can fully participate in the workforce. These issues are not just social challenges; they are economic imperatives.
Childcare as Workforce Infrastructure
The first session, Childcare as Workforce Infrastructure, examined how childcare access and affordability affect employee participation and retention. Across Virginia, workforce experts increasingly point to childcare as a critical economic driver.
Research released in 2026 by Vanderbilt Peabody College estimated that expanded access to affordable, high-quality childcare could enable more than 13,000 additional parents to enter Virginia’s workforce while supporting more than 43,000 already employed parents.
Our expert panelists included:
- Kate Bates, President & CEO, Arlington Chamber of Commerce
- Dennis DeLoach, Director, Early Childhood Education, Northern Virginia Family Services
- Keisha Dotson, Deputy Director, Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax County Government
- Moderator: Jocelyn Park, Investor Relations Manager, NVC
Workforce Policy Priorities for Regional Competitiveness
The second session, Workforce Policy Priorities for Regional Competitiveness, focused on legislation and regulatory developments that affect employers and employees alike. As workforce needs continue to evolve, business leaders must remain informed about policy discussions that affect talent attraction, workforce participation, education partnerships, and economic growth. Bringing policymakers and employers together helps ensure those conversations remain grounded in the realities facing today’s workforce.
Our expert panelists include:
- Andrew P. Sherrod, Partner, Hirschler
- Dana Westgren, Assistant Commissioner for Policy & Programs, Virginia Career Works
- Moderator: Clayton Medford, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, NVC
Workforce Readiness in an AI-Driven Economy
The series will conclude with Workforce Readiness in an AI-Driven Economy, a discussion that has quickly moved from future speculation to present-day business strategy. Artificial intelligence is transforming how organizations recruit and grow talent. A recent Virginia Works analysis found that AI’s impact is extending into professions such as finance, legal services, administration, and technology. Rather than replacing workers outright, AI is increasingly changing the tasks workers perform and elevating the importance of skills such as communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and leadership.
Northern Virginia sits at the center of this shift. Regional demand for AI-related talent has reached 7.4% of all job postings, more than double the national average. As employers continue integrating new technologies into their operations, workforce readiness will depend on both technical capabilities and unique human skills.
Our expert panelists include:
- Jonathan Aberman, CEO & Co-Founder, Hupside
- Keyanna Conner, Managing Director, Government & Public Services, Deloitte Consulting LLP
- Jack Moore, Managing Partner, Evans, Inc.
- Moderator: Jocelyn Park, Investor Relations Manager, NVC
Your Voice Matters
As our region continues to grow as a national hub for innovation and business, workforce challenges will require collaborative solutions. The Workforce Series reflects NVC’s commitment to convening leaders and elevating the priorities outlined in the NOVA Roadmap.
Whether discussing childcare, policy, or AI, the series is built around a shared understanding: strengthening Northern Virginia’s workforce is essential to sustaining the region’s economic success.
NVC is inviting members to join all three sessions of the inaugural Workforce Series, held virtually on October 6, 13, and 20 from 12:00-1:00 pm ET. Attendance is free for NVC members, and each session is designed to provide actionable insights from regional leaders and policymakers.
Learn more about the series on NVC’s website.
Thank you to this year’s Panel Sponsors: Melwood, MetroStar, and ServiceSource. Also, thank you to this year’s Supporting Sponsor Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
