On Thursday, June 4, NVC convened more than 300 business leaders, elected officials, and regional stakeholders for its 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting, NVC’s signature program that recognizes the strength and collaboration of Northern Virginia’s business community.
Held at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, the event brought together leaders from across industries for a morning of connection. As one of NVC’s most anticipated events of the year, the organization’s leadership shared new initiatives and important updates on the ongoing work related to the NOVA Roadmap.
Virginia’s House Speaker Gives Rousing Keynote
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott delivered a powerful keynote address. In his remarks, Speaker Scott emphasized the importance of thoughtful, purposeful policymaking in strengthening Northern Virginia’s economic competitiveness and expanding opportunity for businesses and families alike. These comments directly support NVC’s legislative agenda and the goals of the Roadmap, demonstrating how strategic policy decisions can create a ripple effect across the business community, driving clarity, confidence, and long-term regional growth.
NVC Honors Regional Business Leaders
The Annual Members’ Meeting also celebrated the individuals and organizations whose leadership continues to shape Northern Virginia’s workforce and economy. NVC presented three awards to the following leaders:
- Marty Rodgers, who leads Accenture’s U.S. Health and Public Service Client Group, will be honored with the Impact Award for Regional Leadership for advancing strategic policy and growth initiatives.
- Micron Technology will receive the Impact Award for Workforce for its leadership in workforce development and expanding access across the region’s talent pipeline.
- Scott Hommer, a newly retired Partner from Venable LLP, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his enduring impact on the region’s business community.
These honorees reflect the collaborative, forward-looking spirit that defines Northern Virginia’s business ecosystem and reinforces the goals of the NOVA Roadmap to enhance regional competitiveness and opportunity.
Introducing NVC’s New NextGen Leadership Initiative
During the program, NVC’s Board Chairman and CALIBRE President and CEO, Richard Pineda, announced the development of the new NextGen Leadership initiative, including the new NextGen Leadership Executive Council and the State of NextGen Leadership survey. Attendees were given the first opportunity to nominate the NextGen leaders in their organizations.
The Board Chairman also emphasized that attendees should think long-term and that sustainable growth in the region does not happen overnight. “If we don’t focus on the next generation of leaders, those who will be in these seats 15, 20 years from now, we are not doing our jobs as today’s leaders. We plant the seeds today, do the steady-handed work to nurture them, and build a resilient foundation for Northern Virginia’s future together,” Pineda said.
In addition to its award recognitions, NVC announced the induction of 15 new members to its Board of Directors and honored 27 outgoing Board members as part of the 2026 NVC Honors class for their leadership and service. Honorees include:
- Kathy Albarado
- Tony Anikeeff
- Neal Beggan
- Suzan Cengiz
- Craig Chason
- Ruth Ann Clark
- Wayne Corini
- Brian Cotter
- Steven Day
- Mario DeLuca
- Craig Dixon
- Michael Ferraro
- Georgia Graves
- Scott Hommer
- Victor Hoskins
- Dr. J. Stephen Jones
- Matt McQueen
- Janet Osborn
- Israel Rocha
- Katherine Rowe
- Todd Rowley
- Kelly Schlageter
- Fred Thompson
- Bill Walsh
- Robert Webb
- Brooke Weddle
- Mitch Weintraub
During the program, NVC President and CEO Julie Coons spoke about a new coalition being built on the affordability front to launch a groundbreaking land use and zoning study. NVC is currently gathering partners for research focused on a single, critical goal: increasing speed to market and lowering the cost to market for regional development. Coons said, “What the last year has proven is that when Northern Virginia’s business community speaks with a single, unified voice, we don’t just react to change — we lead the charge. You are the innovators, and as a community, we drive the reshaping of our region’s economy.”
In a memorable moment during the program, Kathryn Falk of Cox Communications, NVC Past Chairman and current Board Secretary, surprised fellow Board member Stephanie Berkowitz of Northern Virginia Family Service with a $20,000 grant in support of the organization’s mission. We congratulate Northern Virginia Family Service and commend the partnership and philanthropy within the NVC community. NVC extends additional gratitude to Kathryn Falk for securing the event’s keynote speaker, Speaker Scott.
Emceed by Richard Pineda, the program opened with his welcome to attendees and guidance through the morning’s agenda. His remarks reflected the depth and diversity of NVC’s membership. We are deeply grateful for his time and commitment to NVC as a reelected Chairman.
The 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting was an unforgettable celebration of progress and a call to action that reinforces NVC’s commitment to working alongside its members, partners, and regional leaders to advance a more competitive, vibrant, and prosperous Northern Virginia.
NVC extends its gratitude to the sponsors, supporters, and investors whose ongoing engagement makes this work possible, and to all who joined in shaping the conversations that will guide the region in the year ahead.
To view photos from the 2026 Annual Members’ Meeting, explore our Flickr album. To stay informed on upcoming programs and events, visit our event calendar and register for your next event.
