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James Quigley
Multi-Time Entrepreneur, Board Member, Economic Development Wonk, Community Builder
James Quigley is a prominent figure in the Fairfax County business community, serving as the Chair of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) Board since June 2016.1 He brings a wealth of experience in technology entrepreneurship and economic development to this role.
Professional Background
Quigley is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of GoCanvas, a Fairfax County-based mobile technology company that creates cloud-based software.12 He's also the co-founder and partner of Refraction, a creative co-working community in Reston focused on fostering startups and scale-ups.12
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Quigley has received numerous accolades:
- Named one of the Top 50 CEOs by the Center for Innovative Technology23
- Recognized as one of the top 20 global executives in his field by CLO Magazine13
- Awarded the Information Week Business Innovation "IT Hero" award in 201613
- Listed as one of Washingtonian's Top 100 DC Tech Titans in 20173
- Finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award in 20183
Economic Development Contributions
As Chair of the FCEDA Board, Quigley plays a crucial role in shaping economic development strategies for Fairfax County. He was part of the strategic team that put together the region's successful bid for Amazon's HQ2.2 His focus on highlighting and growing the business base in Fairfax County, particularly in the technology and innovation sectors, has contributed to the area's significant turnaround in the tech industry.2
Other Roles and Interests
Quigley is deeply involved in community service and industry leadership:
- Chairman of the Board for The Washington West Film Festival12
- Served on boards of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and The Northern Virginia Community College Foundation2
- Former U.S. Naval Reserve officer1
His LinkedIn profile (username: quigleyjames) highlights his passion for economic development, board games, and his belief in prioritizing corporate culture and focusing on a company's "why".4
