The Virginia Tech DC Area Launch Team has been named the Chamber ALX’s Business Leader of the Year.
The first of three Virginia Tech academic buildings held its grand opening in February, ushering in computer science research and development programs to hundreds of master’s degree students. The first academic building is 11 stories, 300,000 square feet and located next door to the Potomac Yard Metro station.
“The Virginia Tech DC 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,” the Chamber ALX said. “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 Virginia Tech campus broke ground in 2021 and opened to students in January.
“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,” the Chamber ALX said.
The Chamber ALX said that “visionary” leaders from Virginia Tech will be honored, including the campus Vice President and Executive Director Lance Collins, and Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff David Baker.
According to the Chamber ALX:
Dr. Collins has played a defining role in shaping Virginia Tech’s presence in Alexandria — overseeing every phase of Academic Building One’s planning and construction, and developing a long-term strategy that integrates academic excellence, industry engagement, and innovation across the D.C. metro area. At Virginia Tech, he continues to champion access to graduate education while helping shape the region’s innovation economy.
David Baker has led critical efforts in campus development, community engagement, and public-private partnerships. He played a central role in the entitlement process for the new campus and helped achieve the naming of the Potomac Yard–VT Metro Station. Beyond his work at Virginia Tech, Baker has served the community through leadership roles with:
- The Campagna Center
- ACT for Alexandria (Board & Finance Committee)
- Educate Fairfax
- Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Board of Directors)
- Ballston Business Improvement District (BID)
The Best in Business Awards, presented by Burke & Herbert Bank, will be held on October 23.
