George Thomas is the President & CEO of Connected DMV, an initiatives-driven organization accelerating the next wave of economic transformation in Greater Washington. Under his leadership, Connected DMV operates as the engine of what’s next—bringing together government, industry, academia, and community to move beyond conversation and actively build the industries, infrastructure, and ecosystems that will define the future.

George leads a portfolio of flagship initiatives that position Greater Washington as a global hub for next-generation industries. Through the Potomac Quantum Innovation Center (PQIC), he is helping establish the region as a global epicenter for quantum innovation—spanning research, commercialization, and workforce development. Connected DMV operates Quantum World Congress, now in its fifth year and one of the world’s leading convenings for quantum science, technology, and policy.

PQIC also powers the Global Industry Challenge, a first-of-its-kind global program that has drawn more than 600 applicants from 60+ countries, with 200+ participants across 24 countries and 88 teams advancing through a multi-phase process to deliver real-world quantum solutions across sectors including finance, infrastructure, energy, and life sciences . In parallel, Pathways to Quantum is building the region’s future workforce, engaging rising high school students through immersive learning experiences that connect them directly to leading research institutions, companies, and policymakers in the quantum ecosystem.

He also leads the Potomac Center for the New Space Economy (PCNSE), advancing the commercialization of space and helping build the industries that will power the next trillion-dollar economy. As part of this work, Connected DMV launched spaceNEXT, with its inaugural global convening bringing together leaders across government, industry, and academia to focus on in-space infrastructure, orbital manufacturing, and the emerging space-for-space economy.

In addition, George leads the Greater Washington Regional Innovation Strategy Engine (RISE), a bold, cross-sector strategy aligning governments, businesses, academia, and community to strengthen regional competitiveness, attract investment, and accelerate high-growth industries.

A recognized leader at the intersection of technology, business, and economic strategy, George’s expertise spans artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital infrastructure, smart cities, and next-generation computing systems. He is a frequent speaker and advisor to global institutions, with appearances at TEDx, the World Bank, the United Nations, Smart City Expo, C40 Mayors Summit, and U.S. Infrastructure Week.

In addition to his leadership at Connected DMV, George serves as a mentor, board member, and advisor to startups and innovation-driven organizations, supporting founders and builders shaping the future economy.

He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering and Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology.