About ForwardDMV™
ForwardDMV™ is building a future-ready economy in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Our objective is to help the DMV workforce thrive in a changing world driven by AI.
On February 17, 2026, over 100 leaders from industry, higher education, workforce systems, and government came together to examine the data and define a path forward. Analysis highlighted the urgency facing the DMV region. We have seen the loss of 53,800 federal jobs over the past year, illustrating the need to shift from federal dependency toward a more diversified, employer-led economy.
Participants worked together to shape three action-oriented initiatives launching in 2026:
- Gig Economy Accelerator - Supporting displaced federal professionals in transitioning to high-skill, project-based work and new ventures.
- Scaling Early-Career Pathways - The importance and potential for expanding pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and wraparound support models.
- Regional Talent Pipeline Development – A multi-jurisdiction, employer-led effort aligning workforce systems to industry demand.
Highlights from ForwardDMV
Additional sessions include a panels on supporting displaced federal workers and contractors, scaling early-career pathways, regional talent pipeline development, and closing remarks.
Here's what attendees had to say
"Excellent discussions about how to transform this region and help our workforce thrive in a world being changed by AI. These discussions help affirm that we’re heading in the right direction with our Booz Allen Hamilton #TechXplore initiative to train 1M+ youth in advanced technology."
"Yesterday I had an opportunity to discuss (and present on!) at ForwardDMV... (thank you, Kaptivate!) to brainstorm on how the DMV region can build a stronger, more competitive workforce. There were a wide array of compelling presentations, engaging tabletop exercises ... and tons of awesome energy!"
"Thank you Amanda Ponzar and Kaptivate for the opportunity to advise on this great workforce initiative to be a Change Catalyst in our DMV region. So encouraged to see so many willing to make change happen THROUGH us and not just TO us. #ForwardDMV"
"If you’re thinking about the intersection of AI, workforce development, and talent strategy, this is the community to be part of."
"Grateful for the dialogue, the relationships, and the shared commitment to shaping what’s next. I’m excited to continue the conversation as AI integration evolves...."
"Job creation is the north star of the World Bank ... Still energized from ForwardDMV, hosted by Kaptivate earlier this week. I tapped my creative side (literally back to the drawing board) to map career pathways, and fed my inner data nerd with expert insights on the promise—and pitfalls—AI brings to the future of work. Kudos to [the Kaptivate] team for a standout event!..."
"The Bank is proud to be involved with ForwardDMV and its mission for the future of business in the DC Metro area."
"We are excited to be a part of a movement that focuses on the future of our youth in the city of alexandria."
"Two moments really stayed with me: hearing directly from federal employees impacted by recent RIFs and seeing the powerful work Roberto Gomez is doing to scale opportunities for our youth."
“No one is coming to save you. Stop waiting. You have to start thinking creatively about AI strategy.”
"Thank you Kaptivate for another ForwardDMV convening at the intersection of AI and workforce development ... the team did an amazing job."
"Virginia pipelines from education to work are so important! It's great to see the work that Kaptivate is doing."
About the Initiatives
Gig Economy Accelerator
Launching spring 2026 to support transitioning federal employees and contractors through income-generating gig work and a pathway to new ventures.
Scaling Early-Career Pathways
Launching a regional one-day innovation lab to scale pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and wraparound support models to strengthen early-career pathways across the region.
Regional Talent Pipeline Development
A DMV-wide, employer-led, data-informed collaborative that surfaces future workforce needs and coordinates partners across jurisdictions to build aligned talent pipelines.
Landscape Analysis
Below is a Landscape Analysis illustrating how various organizations align with the three initiatives selected by ForwardDMV. Some organizations align with a single initiative, while others span multiple areas.
What's next for ForwardDMV™
Scaling Early Career Pathways Innovation Lab
April 16, 2026
Talent Pipeline Development Life Sciences Inaugural Employer Meeting
May 4, 2026
Agenda Highlights
- 9:00 - 9:10 – Intro and Welcome
Featured Speaker: David Baker, Virginia Tech - 9:15 - 9:55 – Fireside Chat and Q&A: AI and the Future of Work
Featured Speaker: Brent Orrell, American Enterprise Institute - 10:05 - 10:35 – Regional Analysis Update
Featured Speaker: Dr. Terry Clower, George Mason University Center for Regional Analysis - 11:15 - 12:15 – Gig Economy Accelerator
Featured Speakers: Greg Bair, US Insourcing; Marcia Pincus, former U.S. Department of Transportation; Josh De La Rosa, former U.S. Department of Education - 12:15 - 1:00 – Networking Lunch
- 1:00 - 2:30 – Scaling Early-Career Pathways
Featured Speakers: Roberto Gomez, Cornerstone Craftsmen; Derry Deringer, Deringer Consulting; William Lopez, BuildWithin - 2:45 - 3:45 – Regional Talent Pipeline Development
Featured Speaker: Ken Poole, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness - 4:00 - 5:30 – Reception
Event Advisors
- Allison Forbes
Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness - Jim Egenrieder
Virginia Tech - Jenn Ji
IBM - Keith Waters
Center for Regional Analysis, George Mason University - Lisa Shapiro
GO Virginia Region 7 - Marian Marquez
Alexandria Economic Development Partnership - Philip Minardi
BuildWithin - Terry Clower
Center for Regional Analysis, George Mason University
Northern Virginia Chair in Local Government; Professor of Public Policy; Director, Center for Regional Analysis
Terry L. Clower is Northern Virginia Chair and professor of public policy in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is also director of George Mason's Center for Regional Analysis...
Clower has authored or coauthored more than 150 articles, book chapters, and research reports reflecting experience in economic and community development, economic and fiscal impact analysis, transportation, land use planning, housing, and economic forecasting...
He received a BS from Texas A&M University, an MS in applied economics, and a PhD in information sciences from the University of North Texas.
Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Brent Orrell focuses on workforce development, job training, and economic mobility in urban and rural areas, with particular attention to automation and artificial intelligence. He leads AEI’s involvement in the Workforce Futures Initiative and co-leads the joint Brookings-AEI Bipartisan Commission on America’s Rural Future.
Executive Director, Cornerstone Craftsman
Roberto Gomez owns Even Scale and launched Cornerstone Craftsman, a nonprofit focused on mentoring youth (ages 12–17) in skilled trades in Alexandria City. He serves on multiple city advisory boards and was named a 2024 Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honoree.
Founder, Derringer Consulting
With over 20 years of experience working with nonprofits, Derry helps organizations achieve financial goals through capital campaigns and major gift fundraising efforts. He provides consulting, coaching, and facilitation to build long-term fundraising capacity.
Founder, SkillsNation; Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer, BuildWithin
William Lopez is a serial entrepreneur and revenue leader with experience founding, scaling, and exiting companies. At BuildWithin, he leads revenue strategy, partnerships, and growth across public and private sector markets.
Chief Executive Officer, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness
Dr. Kenneth E. Poole has managed economic development research, analysis, and technical assistance efforts for 35 years. He co-founded CREC in 2000 and has led research and consulting efforts for federal agencies, state governments, foundations, and regional organizations nationwide.
He holds a PhD in Public Policy from George Mason University, an MPA from American University, and a BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
UX Designer and Community Strategist, FHI 360
Kelly has over four years of experience creating engaging, user-friendly experiences across platforms. She has built and managed communities, conducted user research, led design thinking workshops, and tested digital products to optimize user and organizational outcomes.
Speaker Bios
David Baker is associate vice president and chief of staff of the greater Washington, D.C. area for Virginia Tech. His focus is on supporting campus leadership through important initiatives with the City of Alexandria and key local stakeholders.
Brent Orrell is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. His work focuses on workforce development, job training, and economic mobility in urban and rural areas, with particular attention to the impacts of automation and artificial intelligence. He leads AEI’s involvement in the Workforce Futures Initiative and co-leads the joint Brookings-AEI Bipartisan Commission on America’s Rural Future.
Terry L. Clower is Northern Virginia Chair and professor of public policy in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is also director of George Mason's Center for Regional Analysis. The Center provides economic and public policy research services to sponsors in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Prior to joining George Mason, Clower was director for the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas. He also spent 10 years employed in private industry in logistics and transportation management positions.
Clower received a BS in marine transportation from Texas A&M University in 1982, a MS in applied economics from the University of North Texas in 1992, and a PhD in information sciences from the University of North Texas in 1997, specializing in information policy issues and the use of information resources.
Jim Egenrieder has been teaching technical subject areas for over 30 years, and this is his 20th year on the faculty at Virginia Tech. Over that time he has mentored over 300 high school internships.
For the last 10 years, Jim has been part of Virginia Tech's Engineering and Education Research Faculty, and the Director of Technical Education and Workforce Development, running the nationally recognized Thinkabit Labs program in Physical Computing and Career Exploration. Since 2023 he has been a Faculty Affiliate and Principal Investigator for Virginia Tech's Center for International Research in Education and Development, for which he developed the World Bank's STEM Education Framework for Developing Nations. Just recently he was recognized as a Faculty Affiliate of the College of Engineering's BRain-Inspired Computing, Communication, and Security Lab (BRICCS @VT) supporting new understanding of AI and Chip Manufacturing.
Kelly Middleton Banks is a Technical Advisor with FHI 360’s National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL), where she leads the design and implementation of innovative apprenticeship and workforce development initiatives. She directs FHI 360’s $8 million Apprenticeships Building America project. Her work focuses on expanding equitable access to career pathways and supporting employers and communities in building inclusive, resilient talent pipelines.
Ms. Middleton Banks brings extensive experience across education, healthcare, and workforce development, with deep expertise in partnership building, training design, and advancing opportunities for underserved populations. Prior to joining FHI 360, she served at the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), managing and providing technical assistance for apprenticeship and workforce projects focused on emerging industries, youth apprenticeship, and strengthening the workforce system.
She holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.
Roberto Gomez owns Even Scale, a home remodeling business in the West End of Alexandria City, and is a youth advocate and a regular presence in underserved communities. Gomez recently launched Cornerstone Craftsman, a nonprofit born out of his passion for service and to address a growing need due to increased juvenile crime rates, gang activity, substance abuse, and school absenteeism in the region. Cornerstone Craftsman trains and mentors young men and women (ages 12-17) in the skilled trades in Alexandria City. He also serves on the Alexandria City Gang Task Force, the Sheriff's Community Advisory Board, the Alexandria Community Safety Forum, the Alexandria Police Foundation, the ACPS CTE Advisory Committee, and the Harbor Freight Leadership Lab. In May 2024, Roberto was named as an Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Chamber ALX) 40 Under 40 honoree.
With more than 20 years of experience working with nonprofits, Derry helps organizations generate philanthropic revenue through capital campaigns and major gifts fundraising. Derry coaches leaders on how to engage donors in intentional conversations that lead to sustainable fundraising success. A champion for apprenticeship programs, Derry brings his experience and know-how to navigate funding pathways and help scale apprenticeship initiatives and other human services programs.
Will Lopez is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of BuildWithin, a technology company delivering AI-powered workforce solutions and apprenticeship management platforms. In his role, Will leads revenue strategy, financial planning, and government partnerships, driving innovation at the intersection of technology, public policy, and workforce development.
Under his leadership, BuildWithin has expanded nationally, helping government agencies, workforce boards, and employers modernize talent pipelines through skills-based hiring, apprenticeship programs, and AI-driven workforce technology.
Previously, Will served on the executive leadership team at Phone2Action, helping lead the company through acquisition, the integrations of KnowWho and GovPredict, and its successful exit in 2019.
A lifelong champion for equitable access to economic opportunity, Will serves on the Executive Committee of the Alexandria/Arlington Workforce Council, helping guide inclusive workforce policy and oversee WIOA-funded services that support job seekers and regional employers. In 2026, he was appointed by the Arlington School Board to the Career, Technical, and Adult Education Subcommittee of the Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL), where he contributes to strengthening career pathways and workforce readiness for Arlington Public Schools students.
William holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Marymount University.
Dr. Kenneth (Ken) E. Poole is the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness. Dr. Poole has managed economic development research, analysis, and technical assistance efforts for 35 years. Dr. Poole co-founded CREC in January 2000 as an independent non-profit focused on assisting policy-makers use data to develop a stronger understanding of how state and regional economies can compete effectively in the evolving, knowledge-based economy. Dr. Poole manages the organization’s strategic planning, information sharing, research, and professional training activities, including the development of customized training in regional economic research techniques. At CREC, he has assisted in dozens of research, planning, and technical assistance consulting projects for clients across the U.S.
Ken obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Policy with a concentration in Regional Development Policy from George Mason University, a Master in Public Administration degree from American University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from UNC at Chapel Hill. In 2016, he received the Innovation in Local Employment Dynamics Award from the U.S. Census Bureau.
