Brandon Ferris is a business development manager for Loudoun County Economic Development and is responsible for customer engagement, business recruitment, and dynamic ecosystem building in the highly specialized manufacturing, logistics, unmanned systems and aviation sectors. His prior professional experience includes serving in the United States Air Force as an information management journeyman and as a contracting officer. Upon leaving the service, Ferris served as a business development and program manager in the small business space. He was responsible for business partnerships, proposal development, capture management and executive decision-making. Brandon grew up in Philadelphia and has been a Loudoun County resident since 2017. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in management studies, a master’s degree in acquisition and supply chain management, as well as an MBA, all from the University of Maryland Global Campus. He serves on CFD’s Board of Directors.

1st Vice President

Jo Thoburn is the President and CEO of the Fairfax Christian School and founder of Fairfax Scholars. Before being selected to head the Fairfax Christian School, Jo owned two businesses in northern Virginia. She also has worked and served on the board of directors and advisory boards for several non-profit organizations, both locally and internationally. She has written on education issues, American culture, and free enterprise. She has also spoken at educational conferences and to parent and student groups in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. She focuses on free market approaches to education, the benefits of quality education, selecting the right career path, and understanding the U.S. education system. Jo has been a member of the Committee for Dulles for over a decade and previously served as Treasurer.

Secretary

Stephen Grant is the Director of Business Development at GAM Graphics and Marketing (GAM Printers, Inc.), a 48-year-old, family-run business founded by Stephen's father. Headquartered in Sterling, Virginia, GAM specializes in a full range of services, including digital printing, marketing, advertising, and public relations, all provided under one roof. Stephen is dedicated to ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction, offering personalized attention to every client and ensuring quality results every time. In addition to his role at GAM, Stephen has been an active member of the Committee for Dulles for over 12 years. He serves on the Board of Directors and is currently the Chair of the Communications Committee. Stephen is also involved with the Programs Committee and the CFD Community Outreach Committee, the charitable arm of the organization. His commitment to both the business and the community reflects his leadership, vision, and passion for supporting the Dulles area.

Treasurer

Jeff Bentley is the President and CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance from Georgia Southern University. His post-graduate studies include graduating from the Graduate School of Banking at LSU, and the CUES CEO School at the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and the University of Virginia. With over 30 years of experience, he has managed credit, sales, operations, and P&L for Regional banks and Credit Unions, including creating new lending divisions and consulting for the NCUA. He has three children and currently resides in Great Falls, Virginia, with his wife Susan, and their dogs Louise and Ludwig.

Prior to joining Northwest, Mr. Bentley served as Chief Lending Officer for Achieva Credit Union in Clearwater, FL. He is Chair of the Virginia Credit Union League and serves on the boards of the Committee for Dulles and Credit Union Miracle Day. Additionally, he was appointed to the Science Museum of Virginia Board of Trustees.

Executive Director

Scott K. York joined the Committee for Dulles in 2019 as a member of the Board of Directors. He was appointed as Interim Executive Director in March of 2020, then appointed Executive Director in September of that year. 

Prior to January 2016, he had dedicated the last twenty-four years to public service. As a resident of Loudoun County, he was first appointed as the Sterling District Planning Commissioner, then elected to serve as the Sterling District Board of Supervisor on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. After serving four years as the district representative, Scott became the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and served as its Chair for sixteen years. Under his leadership as Chairman, Loudoun County transformed into a premier location to live and work, becoming one of America’s economic development success stories. His efforts helped establishing Loudoun as a leading technology location, a thriving hub for international investment and the home to Washington D.C.’s wine country. Scott’s emphasis on sound fiscal management established Loudoun County as an AAA rated community, which was vital as the county built out our critical road infrastructure, constructed more than forty new schools, and prepared for the arrival of the Washington D.C. Metrorail expansion into Loudoun. During his tenure with Loudoun County, Scott worked closely with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to help ensure appropriate development around the airport.

Scott was recognized for his years of service from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments by awarding him with the 2015 Elizabeth & David Scull Metropolitan Service Award. He also received the Loudoun Times Mirror 2015 Citizen of the Year award, the Dulles Area Transportation Association Presidents Award, Northern Virginia Building Industry Association’s Service Award, the Committee for Dulles 2011 Tower of Dulles Award, and an Honorary Degree of Associate of Humane Letters for recognition of distinguished achievement from the Northern Virginia Community College.

Board of Directors