Gerald L. Gordon
Encyclopedia
Gerald L. Gordon is the president and chief executive officer of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
(FCEDA) in Fairfax County, Virginia
, a position he has held since late 1983.
Prior to joining the FCEDA, Gordon held positions with Arlington County, Virginia
and the United States Department of Labor
. Gordon has taught at the University of Maryland, College Park
, George Mason University
, and Virginia Commonwealth University
. He has consulted with city and state governments throughout the United States and internationally. He has also served as a consultant to various government agencies, including the United States Navy
, businesses, non-profit organizations, associations, colleges and universities, and the United Nations
.
Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, a master’s degree from George Washington University, and a doctorate in International Economics from the Catholic University of America. He is the author of numerous articles on strategic planning, economic development, leadership styles, and other management topics.
Gordon was awarded a Fulbright Award
for study in Scotland
, where he made a series of recommendations on how to maintain and develop skilled employment in the region, and the approaches to doing so to secure its economic future when a nuclear power plant closes. He planned to further explore the region’s huge potential for renewable energy but also come up with specific ways to implement inward investment into the northern Highland region.
Gordon is the author of 11 books. His most recent, Reinventing Local and Regional Economies, published by CRC Press
(2011), “delineates the dos and don’ts to observe in order to sustain economic vitality in any community.” The book examines the factors that led to the decline of some American cities after the loss of a major employer or industry by combining available research with more than 70 interviews of mayors, economic development leaders and others who lived and worked through the experience around the United States.
In 2009, Gordon published The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America, also by CRC Press. The book is part of CRC's American Society for Public Administration
series designed to increase national and international interest for topics in public administration. The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America draws on Dr. Gordon's experience at the FCEDA and his involvement in assisting communities around the world. Dr. Alan Merten, president of George Mason University
in Fairfax, Virginia
, called the book "a comprehensive, analytic, and clear look at the importance and complexity of economic growth...an important read for both the expert and the student." In August 2010, Dr. Gordon appeared on the Fox Business Network
providing advice on how a community can achieve a robust economic development program. Watch Dr. Gordon's interview here.
On April 23, 2010, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC)http://www.vahcc.com/ presented a Bridge Builder Award to Dr. Gordon, at the VAHCC annual gala in Richmond. The chamber's Bridge Builder Awards honor those who forge connections among Virginia’s diverse racial, ethnic, religious and cultural groups.
Former recipients of Bridge Builder Awards include former Mexico President Vicente Fox
, and U.S. Sen. (and former Virginia governor) Mark Warner
.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
(FSO) presented Dr. Gordon, in June 2010, with a Dorothy Farnham Feuer Award. The Feuer Award, named for the orchestra's founder, recognizes an individual whose personal involvement and commitment significantly aided the FSO. Dr. Gordon received the award June 15 at the annual meeting of the FSO board of directors.
Dr. Gordon is a past president of the board. During his tenure, he oversaw the FSO’s 50th anniversary season and the search for a replacement of long-time music director William Hudson and made it a priority to diversify the FSO's board of directors to reflect the Fairfax County community.
"Through his leadership, Jerry sets the example for all board members for commitment and work ethic,” Thomas Brownell, current FSO board president.
“As someone who has zero artistic talent of any discernible nature, it is an honor to be recognized by a symphony of such obviously world-class caliber,” Dr. Gordon said.
In June 2010, Dr. Gordon received the James M. Rees Award for distinguished community service from the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
. Recipients are selected by the past chairmen of the chamber for their contributions to the local non-profit and business communities and to the chamber. The award honors the late James M. Rees, the 1982-83 chairman of the chamber and a member of the FCEDA Commission in the 1980s.
“Receiving the James M. Rees Award is particularly satisfying because it comes from my peers in the business community and because Jim Rees exemplified public service,” Dr. Gordon said. “It is an honor to be recognized in conjunction with his memory.”
In December 2010, Gordon was named 2010 Virginia Business Person of the Year by Virginia Business magazine, which cited his role in helping attract major business headquarters to Fairfax County as a key factor in their decision.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is an independent authority in Fairfax County, Virginia, created under Virginia state law in 1964 and funded by Fairfax County government. The FCEDA exists to promote investment and business growth in Fairfax County in order to expand the...
(FCEDA) in Fairfax County, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, a position he has held since late 1983.
Prior to joining the FCEDA, Gordon held positions with Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County, Virginia
Arlington County is a county in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The land that became Arlington was originally donated by Virginia to the United States government to form part of the new federal capital district. On February 27, 1801, the United States Congress organized the area as a subdivision of...
and the United States Department of Labor
United States Department of Labor
The United States Department of Labor is a Cabinet department of the United States government responsible for occupational safety, wage and hour standards, unemployment insurance benefits, re-employment services, and some economic statistics. Many U.S. states also have such departments. The...
. Gordon has taught at the University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
, George Mason University
George Mason University
George Mason University is a public university based in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, south of and adjacent to the city of Fairfax. Additional campuses are located nearby in Arlington County, Prince William County, and Loudoun County...
, and Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University is a public university located in Richmond, Virginia. It comprises two campuses in the Downtown Richmond area, the product of a merger between the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia in 1968...
. He has consulted with city and state governments throughout the United States and internationally. He has also served as a consultant to various government agencies, including the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
, businesses, non-profit organizations, associations, colleges and universities, and the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
.
Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, a master’s degree from George Washington University, and a doctorate in International Economics from the Catholic University of America. He is the author of numerous articles on strategic planning, economic development, leadership styles, and other management topics.
Gordon was awarded a Fulbright Award
Fulbright Award
The Fulbright Award is a scholarship awarded as part of the Fulbright Program to foster international research and collaboration. The program also awards a fellowship to Ph.D.'s to lecture and teach in foreign universities...
for study in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
, where he made a series of recommendations on how to maintain and develop skilled employment in the region, and the approaches to doing so to secure its economic future when a nuclear power plant closes. He planned to further explore the region’s huge potential for renewable energy but also come up with specific ways to implement inward investment into the northern Highland region.
Gordon is the author of 11 books. His most recent, Reinventing Local and Regional Economies, published by CRC Press
CRC Press
The CRC Press, LLC is a publishing group which specializes in producing technical books. While many of their books relate to engineering, science and mathematics, their scope also includes books on business, forensics and information technology...
(2011), “delineates the dos and don’ts to observe in order to sustain economic vitality in any community.” The book examines the factors that led to the decline of some American cities after the loss of a major employer or industry by combining available research with more than 70 interviews of mayors, economic development leaders and others who lived and worked through the experience around the United States.
In 2009, Gordon published The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America, also by CRC Press. The book is part of CRC's American Society for Public Administration
American Society for Public Administration
The American Society for Public Administration is a membership association in the United States sponsoring conferences and providing professional services primarily to those who study the implementation of government policy, public administration, and, to a lesser degree, programs of civil society...
series designed to increase national and international interest for topics in public administration. The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America draws on Dr. Gordon's experience at the FCEDA and his involvement in assisting communities around the world. Dr. Alan Merten, president of George Mason University
George Mason University
George Mason University is a public university based in unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, south of and adjacent to the city of Fairfax. Additional campuses are located nearby in Arlington County, Prince William County, and Loudoun County...
in Fairfax, Virginia
Fairfax, Virginia
The City of Fairfax is an independent city forming an enclave within the confines of Fairfax County, in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. Although politically independent of the surrounding county, the City is nevertheless the county seat....
, called the book "a comprehensive, analytic, and clear look at the importance and complexity of economic growth...an important read for both the expert and the student." In August 2010, Dr. Gordon appeared on the Fox Business Network
Fox Business Network
Fox Business Network is an American cable news and satellite news television channel that began broadcasting on October 15, 2007. It is owned by the Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation...
providing advice on how a community can achieve a robust economic development program. Watch Dr. Gordon's interview here.
On April 23, 2010, Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC)http://www.vahcc.com/ presented a Bridge Builder Award to Dr. Gordon, at the VAHCC annual gala in Richmond. The chamber's Bridge Builder Awards honor those who forge connections among Virginia’s diverse racial, ethnic, religious and cultural groups.
Former recipients of Bridge Builder Awards include former Mexico President Vicente Fox
Vicente Fox
Vicente Fox Quesada is a Mexican former politician who served as President of Mexico from 1 December 2000 to 30 November 2006 and currently serves as co-President of the Centrist Democrat International, an international organization of Christian democratic political parties.Fox was elected...
, and U.S. Sen. (and former Virginia governor) Mark Warner
Mark Warner
Mark Robert Warner is an American politician and businessman, currently serving in the United States Senate as the junior senator from the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Warner was the 69th governor of Virginia from 2002 to 2006 and is the honorary chairman of...
.
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra has emerged over the years as one of the finest metropolitan orchestras in the U.S. Hailed as "the pride of Fairfax County," the orchestra has showcased the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire during its annual concert seasons and through many...
(FSO) presented Dr. Gordon, in June 2010, with a Dorothy Farnham Feuer Award. The Feuer Award, named for the orchestra's founder, recognizes an individual whose personal involvement and commitment significantly aided the FSO. Dr. Gordon received the award June 15 at the annual meeting of the FSO board of directors.
Dr. Gordon is a past president of the board. During his tenure, he oversaw the FSO’s 50th anniversary season and the search for a replacement of long-time music director William Hudson and made it a priority to diversify the FSO's board of directors to reflect the Fairfax County community.
"Through his leadership, Jerry sets the example for all board members for commitment and work ethic,” Thomas Brownell, current FSO board president.
“As someone who has zero artistic talent of any discernible nature, it is an honor to be recognized by a symphony of such obviously world-class caliber,” Dr. Gordon said.
In June 2010, Dr. Gordon received the James M. Rees Award for distinguished community service from the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce is the local chamber of commerce for Fairfax County, Virginia. It is a member of the United States Chamber of Commerce and represents the business needs of over 800 businesses and 4,200 employees in the county....
. Recipients are selected by the past chairmen of the chamber for their contributions to the local non-profit and business communities and to the chamber. The award honors the late James M. Rees, the 1982-83 chairman of the chamber and a member of the FCEDA Commission in the 1980s.
“Receiving the James M. Rees Award is particularly satisfying because it comes from my peers in the business community and because Jim Rees exemplified public service,” Dr. Gordon said. “It is an honor to be recognized in conjunction with his memory.”
In December 2010, Gordon was named 2010 Virginia Business Person of the Year by Virginia Business magazine, which cited his role in helping attract major business headquarters to Fairfax County as a key factor in their decision.