In Memoriam: Catherine Riley

“It is with solemn gratitude and utmost respect that we remember our dear colleague and friend, Catherine Riley, following her passing on February 7, 2024. Cathy was a shining example of a true servant leader, and she leaves an incredible legacy of excellence in economic development. Because of her work, Fairfax County has become a global hub where businesses and people thrive. She will be deeply missed.”

Victor Hoskins, president and CEO
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
February 15, 2024

A Legacy of Excellence in Economic Development

During her decades long career in public service, Catherine Riley had a tremendous impact on the economic growth of Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. She was an experienced economic development executive with a proven track record for winning corporate relocations, developing strategy, implementing outreach, and hiring talent for Fairfax County, one of the most successful communities in the U.S.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ms. Riley graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School. She obtained a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, and completed additional training in real estate, management, and economic development.

Over the past 35 years, Ms. Riley served in a variety of leadership roles at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), including most recently as Senior Vice President. At FCEDA, she oversaw strategic planning and project management for the agency’s three investment divisions: National Business Investment; International Business Investment; and Diversity Investment and Entrepreneurship Division programs.

Ms. Riley managed a team that generated over 90,000 new jobs in Fairfax County over the last decade. This included headquarters relocations for companies such as Hilton Worldwide, CSC, SAIC, and Volkswagen Group of America. She also managed successful bids to win headquarters relocations for Intelsat and Northrop Grumman, as well as the Global Operations Center of Bechtel.

Before being promoted to Vice President in 2002, Ms. Riley co-founded the FCEDA International Division and served as its first Director. She initiated the agency’s overseas investment program and opened its first foreign office in Tokyo, Japan. During her tenure as Director, she opened five more overseas offices. FCEDA’s International Division is now one of the most comprehensive foreign direct investment programs for a U.S.-based locality.

Ms. Riley was active in various organizations. She was the president of the British American Business Association (BABA) from 2010-2012, served on its Board of Directors for six years and on its Executive Committee for three years. She also chaired the BABA Strategic Planning Committee. Additionally, she served on the Executive Committee of the British American Business Council and was its representative for the Southeast regional chapters.

Ms. Riley was a Strategic Planning Steering Committee member at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, from 2017-18. She also served on the George Mason University Honors College Dean’s Advisory Board. She was also involved with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, having served on its Board of Directors for six years and its Executive Committee for three years. She also served on its Transition Team and Nominating Committees.

Ms. Riley was a graduate of Leadership Fairfax, where she served on the Board of Directors, and a member of both the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

Visitation and Memorial Service Information

Ms. Riley will be greatly missed. Her leadership in economic development will have a lasting impact in Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, for future generations to come.

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 22, 2024, 6-8 p.m., at Arcola United Methodist Church, 24757 Arcola Mills Dr., Dulles, VA, 20166.

Memorial service will be on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Arcola United Methodist Church, 24757 Arcola Mills Dr., Dulles, VA, 20166.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Inova Life with Cancer Foundation.