Purpose

The Albemarle County Economic Development Authority, a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, was created in 1976 by the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. The EDA's role is to assist qualified businesses and industries who plan to expand or locate within the County by administering grant and bond programs that support economic vitality.

Directors

DON LONG, CHAIR

At-Large

Boardmember Long

Term: January 4, 2023 to January 19, 2027

Don Long is a business and finance lawyer with Flora Pettit PC in Charlottesville. He has experience in all areas of business law, but he concentrates his practice in commercial lending and private equity offerings. Don is also the Chairman of the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport Authority, President of the Soccer Organization Charlottesville Area and an Executive Committee Member of the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area.

Email: dlong@albemarle.org

JEFF MORRILL, VICE CHAIR

Samuel Miller District

Term: July 20, 2022 to January 19, 2028

Jeff Morrill is a Blacksburg native and Virginia Tech graduate. He co-founded businesses in automotive retail, real estate, telecommunications, and insurance.

He is the author of "Profit Wise: How to Make More Money in Business by Doing the Right Thing." He lives with his wife Julie on a mountain in Albemarle he calls the “Morrill High Ground.”

ANDREA JOHNSON, SECRETARY/TREASURER

Jack Jouett District

Term: May 3, 2023 to January 19, 2027

Andrea Johnson is the CEO of van der Linde Recycling, Container Rentals and Pete’s Pick-Up, all of which provide waste and recycling services throughout Central Virginia. Andrea has a B.S. in Business Administration from U.M.U.C and is a licensed waste operator in VA. She has committed herself to a life of service, first as a mother and military wife of 23 years and now to the environment, her community, and the amazing team she works with.

FRANK FRIEDMAN

Rio District

Term: July 20, 2022 to January 19, 2028 Frank Friedman

Frank Friedman served as a faculty member and administrator in community colleges for 45 years. From 1999-2022 he served as President of Piedmont Virginia Community College, a public institution of higher education with an enrollment of 5000 students and a budget of $30 million annually.

Dr. Friedman received numerous local, state and national awards including the Community Service Award from the Virginia Piedmont Technology Council, and the Carol A. Luthman Meritorious Service Award from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Since his retirement, Dr. Friedman has served as an adjunct faculty member at PVCC, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care, and as a board member for the Jefferson School Foundation and the Senior Statesmen of Virginia.

STEVE HOOD

White Hall District

Term: January 19, 2025 to January 19, 2029

COL (R) Steve Hood, former commander of the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC)

View recent photos

COL Steve Hood was commissioned from George Mason University in the US Army as a Military Intelligence (MI) officer. He served his first assignment at FT Bragg NC. with the 82nd Airborne Division. COL Hood would go on to serve numerous assignments in South Korea followed by Battalion (BN) command in Hawaii of a 600 plus soldier unit supporting the intelligence requirements of US Pacific Command. From BN command COL Hood was selected as Chief of MI officers assignments branch responsible for the professional development of MI officers world-wide. COL Hood then attended the National War College, then selected to command NGIC, bringing him and his family to Charlottesville. COL Hood’s final Army assignment was as the Chief of Staff for Intelligence operations in Baghdad Iraq, US Forces Iraq.

Since his retirement from the Army he has served in a number of Defense Industry companies supporting the US Intelligence Community. He is currently the VP for Government Solutions for Secured2 Quantum in Arden Hills, MN.

BILL MECHNICK

Rivanna District:

Term April 2, 2025 - January 19, 2026

Bill Mechnick is a Landscape Architect with Kimley-Horn in Charlottesville. His passion is making places for people with a focus on rural economies, small towns, destinations, and community revitalization. He has experience with multiple aspects of economic impact analysis, land development best practices, large property master planning, funding, area planning, and site plan development processes. Bill believes in an integrated economic approach for Albemarle County, its communities, and partners. This includes pulling all levers in market sectors, a focus on partnerships and initiatives that continue to strengthen Albemarle County's position as a place of choice.

DAVID STORM

Scottsville District

Term: November 1, 2023 to January 19, 2028

David Storm is a Legal Analyst with LexisNexis, has been an adjunct at the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development, and is a former owner of The Wine Guild of Charlottesville. He has a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law. He's a member of the bars of Washington, D.C., and the Supreme Court of the United States. He lives just south of Charlottesville with his wife Audrey and their three sons.

BEA LAPISTO-KIRTLEY, BOARD OF SUPERVISORS LIAISON

Email the entire EDA Board at: EconomicDevelopmentAuthority@albemarle.org

Upcoming Meetings

The Third Tuesday of each month at 4 pm.

Nov
18
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 11/18/2025 4:00 PM 11/18/2025 6:00 PM
Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting

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