David Baker named to Washington Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 list
David Baker, assistant vice president and chief of staff at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus, was honored by the Washington Business Journal as one of the DC region’s rising stars.
Each year, the Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards recognize 40 rising stars in the local business world who have distinguished themselves in their companies, their communities, and their industries — all before their 40th birthday. The young professionals include executives, innovators, and entrepreneurs who represent the Washington, D.C. region’s next generation of business leaders.
This year’s awardees – judged on professional accomplishments, community leadership, and awards and milestones – were recognized at a ceremony held on Feb. 21 at the Capitol Turnaround event venue in Washington, D.C.
“David’s connections in Northern Virginia – and his constant initiative – have helped solidify the Innovation Campus’ essential place in the Northern Virginia business community. This recognition is well deserved,” said Lance Collins, vice president and executive director of the Innovation Campus.
Baker joined Virginia Tech in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area in 2018 as assistant director of government and community affairs. As one of the Innovation Campus’ first employees, he played a key role in supporting Innovation Campus and university leadership through important initiatives with the City of Alexandria and key local stakeholders.
Baker took on the role of chief of staff for the Innovation Campus starting in July 2022. He currently manages the day-to-day operations of the Innovation Campus temporary HQ in Alexandria and works with Collins and other members of the Innovation Campus leadership team on the Campus’ strategic priorities, including the opening of the campus’ first academic building scheduled for January 2025. Today, the Innovation Campus has 45 faculty and administrators.
During his time with the Office of Government Relations, Baker served as a primary point of contact for City of Alexandria officials and the local community, including throughout the zoning and entitlement process for the Innovation Campus. He also led the effort to have the Virginia Tech name added to the new Potomac Yard Metro Station, which opened in May 2023.
Baker joined Virginia Tech from George Washington University, where he had served as director of Virginia government relations since 2014. Prior to that, Baker worked in federal and state government affairs for several organizations in Northern Virginia, including the Northern Virginia Technology Council.
Baker graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned his master’s degree of public policy from George Washington University.
The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus is committed to equipping graduates to become leaders in their careers while helping them gain real-world experience solving urgent challenges alongside researchers, industry executives, and national policymakers. With a research focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Wireless and Next Gen Technology, Quantum Architecture and Software Development, and Intelligent Interfaces, the Campus is powering a pipeline of premier tech talent and building the foundation for a new era of technology.
