University named Business Leader of the Year by Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce recognized the Virginia Tech D.C. area launch team as its 2025 Business Leader of the Year, a distinction that celebrates the university’s impact on education, innovation, and regional growth.
The award highlights the team’s leadership in opening the university's new academic building in Alexandria, which welcomed its first graduate students in January and held its grand opening in February. Designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the building is home to graduate programs in computer science, computer engineering, and business and supports cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence, quantum information science, and next-G wireless technology.
“The Virginia Tech D.C. area launch team not only led the successful opening of Academic Building One in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard, they also helped lay the foundation for a broader transformation in the region’s educational and tech workforce landscape,” according to a statement from the chamber. “From K–12 STEM outreach to graduate education and from infrastructure development to deep community partnerships, this team’s leadership reflects the values that define our business community: innovation, collaboration, and a lasting commitment to impact.”
The honor underscores Virginia Tech’s growing innovation network in the greater Washington, D.C., area – expanding graduate education and research opportunities and a commitment to long-term partnerships that benefit the local community and beyond.
“Through this work, Virginia Tech is helping build a local pipeline of future tech talent, empowering Alexandria students to thrive in the digital economy — and to see themselves as innovators, leaders, and Hokies of tomorrow,” according to the chamber.
The chamber will recognize Lance Collins, vice president and executive director, and the launch team, which included members of the D.C.-area leadership, the Advancement Division, and the Division of Facilities, at its upcoming Best in Business Awards that will take place Oct. 23 in Alexandria.
