On May 9 at our Downtown D.C. office, the Greater Washington Board of Trade convened a candid Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. This session brought together senior executives from across the region for an exchange on national economic trends, regional business conditions, and the future of our workforce and markets.

Our members brought candor, insight, and urgency to the conversation, reflecting the realities of leading through disruption. While the economic data offers mixed signals, business leaders are navigating real-time volatility in pricing, hiring, trade policy, and consumer behavior. The conversation underscored that conventional playbooks no longer apply in the same ways, and leaders must adapt to a system defined by speed, decentralization, and growing complexity.

Several recurring themes emerged:

• Persistent labor shortages—not just in volume, but in skills alignment
• Rising operating costs and uncertainty around tariffs, housing, and energy
• The growing impact of AI and automation across internal operations
• A shared desire for better federal-local alignment in economic response
• The importance of timely, trusted data to supplement lagging indicators

The conversation reinforced a critical truth: Greater Washington cannot afford to plan for the economy of the past. Across sectors, leaders are grappling with systems and structures that were built for another era. What’s needed now is not only new solutions, but new ways of thinking.

The Board of Trade will continue to foster these executive-level dialogues, providing space for leaders to test assumptions, exchange strategies, and shape a more resilient, competitive region.

Mark your calendar: Our next Executive Leadership Roundtable with Tom Barkin will take place on October 17. Registration details will be shared soon—stay tuned.

​​Thank you to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the region.

The first 100 days of a presidential administration are typically seen as a critical window for shaping priorities and building momentum. But as we heard in our latest Agenda Watch session – hosted in partnership with K&L Gates – this administration isn’t waiting around. The pace is so rapid, you can barely compute the first 100 hours, let alone the first 100 days. 

Well over 100 executive orders have already been issued – marking a historic pace of presidential action. Senior officials were vetted and ready well before Inauguration Day. Federal agencies are moving quickly to execute an ambitious and sweeping plan to reshape the size, scope, and style of government. What may look chaotic on the surface is in fact a tightly coordinated and years-in-the-making strategy to act with speed and authority – especially in areas where congressional consensus is unlikely.

While much of the conversation centers on specific policy actions, what’s unfolding is part of a broader transformation—one that reflects a shift from the analog operating model of the past century to a digital-first, disruption-driven approach to governance. We’re witnessing the federal system being rewired for a new era: one defined by speed, decentralization, and real-time decision-making. The implications go far beyond politics—they challenge long-standing assumptions about how government functions, and how leaders outside of government must respond.

That’s why we launched Agenda Watch. This program is designed to help leaders in the Greater Washington business community stay ahead of these shifts—not just as observers, but as strategic actors. During our most recent session, we explored what these developments mean for the region and how leaders can adapt in an environment increasingly defined by volatility, speed, and structural change.

The Core Question: How do leaders navigate this moment of compressed change? 

Among the key takeaways from the briefing: 

• This is more than politics—it’s structural. While many moves reflect a long-standing conservative vision for shrinking government, they also represent a shift in how executive power is being exercised – faster, more centralized, and more willing to sidestep traditional federal processes. 

• Executive orders are setting tone and direction. Though not equivalent to permanent law, the early wave of executive actions is already reshaping policy implementation. They signal priorities, shift agency focus, and can lay the groundwork for future regulatory or legislative changes. Their volume and velocity are strategic. 

• Engagement doesn’t equal endorsement—but it matters. Business leaders must navigate unpredictability with discipline. Staying engaged across the political spectrum is essential for understanding how decisions are being made, where there’s room to align, and when to proactively offer alternatives. 

• National security—not just economic policy—is the driving lens. Decisions about AI, energy, workforce policy, and trade are increasingly shaped by geopolitical risk and the desire for U.S. self-reliance. That includes efforts to reduce dependence on China for critical materials, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and secure technological leadership. While these objectives are clear, their policy paths may feel contradictory or disjointed at times. 

VIEW MORE PHOTOS HERE

This goes beyond politics and policy—it’s about leadership in flux. 

For leaders across business, government, and the civic sector, the challenge isn’t just responding to change – it’s anticipating and absorbing it. The rules of engagement are evolving, but so are the expectations for how organizations show up, plan, and lead. 

As the session concluded, four guiding principles emerged to help frame decision-making in this climate: 

• Acknowledge volatility as a constant
  Volatility is not episodic anymore – it’s systemic. Economic, regulatory, and political disruptions are happening in shorter, faster cycles. 

• Balance long-term strategy with short-term agility
  You need both a long-term strategy and the flexibility to pivot. Resilience lies in the ability to move between the two without losing your direction. 

• Embrace calculated risk to stay competitive
  Managing risk is no longer about avoidance – it’s about understanding, adapting, and acting. Those who take thoughtful risks will be better positioned to lead through disruption. 

• Own your narrative—and ground it in shared outcomes
  Don’t let others define your organization’s values or voice. Ground your message in shared economic outcomes, practical problem-solving, and the ability to work across divides. 

The Board of Trade will continue to provide tools, insights, and convenings to support our members in this shifting landscape. Through Agenda Watch and other programming, we’re committed to elevating nonpartisan analysis, amplifying regional priorities, and helping our members lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence. 

​​Thank you to K&L Gates for sponsoring this vital discussion that engages our members and partners in the Greater Washington region. 

The Board of Trade hosted a dynamic and thought-provoking fireside chat on artificial intelligence featuring Virginia Congressman Don Beyer and Jamil Jaffer, Founder & Executive Director of the National Security Institute at George Mason University.

The conversation focused on the future of AI policy, innovation, and the balance between rapid technological advancement and the need for safety, trust, and governance. Congressman Beyer — who is currently taking graduate-level courses on AI at George Mason University to understand the field better — spoke about his commitment to informed policymaking and his sponsorship of the bipartisan CREATE AI Act, which seeks to expand access to AI research tools across the country.

The conversation also explored critical issues such as national security (including how AI technology is increasingly being integrated into our defense systems), the importance of balanced federal oversight that supports both developers and end users, and the potential implications of AI on key sectors like infrastructure and financial markets.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT

Congressman Beyer has been involved in AI policy issues at the congressional level for some time now. He discussed his leadership in advancing the AI Foundation Model Transparency Act and his ongoing work with the House Task Force on AI. Beyer has also been a part of other AI-focused Congressional bodies, including the AI Caucus and the AI Working Group.

In a truly engaging moment, both students and business professionals had the opportunity to ask Congressman Beyer direct questions about the implications of AI for industry, public policy, and workforce development. The exchange highlighted the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration as the technology continues to evolve.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important conversation on one of the most transformative technologies of our time. Stay tuned for more events at the intersection of innovation and policy.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING THIS EVENT

The Board of Trade convened an impactful discussion at Accenture’s Innovation Hub in Downtown D.C. on March 5, bringing together business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders for A Community Conversation with 11th Street Bridge Park. This event, part of our broader Pathways to Prosperity initiative, underscored the power of collaboration in advancing equitable economic growth across our region. 

The 11th Street Bridge Park project of the Ward 8 non-profit Building Bridges Across the River is a national model for business-nonprofit collaboration that will bridge community access from Navy Yard to Anacostia. Board of Trade members, regional leaders, and changemakers engaged in a dynamic exchange about this investment and others shaping the region’s future, particularly in historically underserved areas.

A Collective Commitment to Inclusive Growth 

The conversation showcased the dedication of our partners, Accenture, 11th Street Bridge Park, Comcast, TD Bank, and many others, who are working to expand economic opportunities and build stronger communities.

The discussion reinforced a critical point: there are countless challenges that can derail projects, but success is built through persistence, partnership, and a commitment to economic, environmental, and community well-being. This initiative is about more than just a bridge; it is about cutting through the noise, focusing on investments that create impact, and ensuring that community-driven development leads to long-term prosperity. 

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Leveraging Strengths to Drive Impact 

One of the most compelling takeaways from the event was the recognition that no one entity has all the answers, but together, we bring the expertise and resources necessary to drive meaningful change. Collaboration is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving sustainable economic progress. 

While the moral case for inclusive economic development is well understood, the event emphasized the economic imperative of investing in communities. With over $1 billion in economic development expected in Ward 8 over the next five years, now is the time to be intentional about ensuring these investments serve the local community. Through partnerships with trusted organizations, we can help expand market opportunities, enhance financial literacy, and create stronger, more resilient businesses. 

An Opportunity to Get It Right 

The stakes are high, but so is the potential for transformational impact. The Board of Trade remains committed to amplifying initiatives that foster whole-community solutions, addressing systemic barriers, and creating pathways for generational economic mobility. 

This event aligns directly with our Pathways to Prosperity and Business Growth Initiative frameworks, which focus on advancing equitable access to capital, business growth, and workforce development as key drivers of regional success. By continuing to champion public-private-philanthropic collaborations, we can help build an inclusive economy that benefits everyone. 

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement 

The Greater Washington Board of Trade will continue to bring leaders together to drive forward-thinking conversations and actionable strategies for regional economic growth. We invite our members and stakeholders to stay engaged, whether by attending future convenings, participating in leadership workshops, or collaborating on initiatives that expand economic opportunity. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our efforts or becoming part of the solution, contact us today. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive regional economy. 

Full Recording of 11th Street Bridge Park Conversation