Its leadership may be changing, but the role of Arlington’s Economic Development Commission will remain vital in 2025, its members believe.
The body is “filled with professionals … that can offer guidance and perspective,” said Bill Dunn, the commission’s outgoing chair, at its December meeting.
“I am extremely proud of what this commission does,” Dunn said at the Dec. 10 meeting. Its membership “is diverse in all kinds of ways.”
Dunn pointed to its efforts encouraging county leaders to make it easier for owners of commercial properties to convert them to residential — something he said will be “huge” as time unfolds.
In addition to departing as chair, Dunn is leaving the commission as his current term expires. A resident of Arlington for more than 25 years, Dunn is managing director of Spring Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors.
Also departing as his term ends will be Scott Pedowitz of the Apartment Owners and Builders Association of Metropolitan Washington.
He, too, said the commission delivers results for the broader community.
“I do think Arlington as a whole is better for the ideas we generate around the table and the advice we can give, not just to the [County] Board but the whole community,” Pedowitz said at the meeting.
Rotating in as chair will be Kevin Yam, a partner at the private-equity form Iron Point Partners.
Yam said Dunn’s tenure as chair resulted in an elevation of the commission’s profile.
Joining the leadership ranks will be Nick Gregorios, who will fill Yam’s 2024 post of vice chair.
“You guys are perfectly equipped for the awesome challenge,” Dunn said.
The Economic Development Commission will kick off 2025 with a meeting on Jan. 14. It typically meets monthly.
