Voices from the Table: September Insights

Category: Latest Updates

Voices from the Table: September Insights

Posted on by Board of Trade

When leaders in Greater Washington gather around a table, bonds form and conversations deepen. At the Board of Trade’s weekly Executive Meals, those connections become catalysts — helping executives see challenges differently, surface new opportunities, and drive change for the Capital Region. 

A Region in Transition 

September’s conversations reflected both the pressures and possibilities of this moment. Leaders acknowledged workforce stress, the pace of technological change, and cultural polarization. Yet the dialogue pointed less to obstacles and more to strengths — adaptability, optimism, and collaboration. 

Board of Trade President & CEO, Jack McDougle, emphasized that the Capital Region is not defined by its federal footprint. With only one-fifth of jobs tied directly to government, our future depends on how we cultivate talent, embrace innovation, and invest in infrastructure. 

Leadership tone also stood out as a competitive asset. Calm, integrity, and optimism aren’t just virtues — they shape how organizations, and the region as a whole, navigate turbulence. 

Executives also highlighted the foundations needed to scale a digital economy: reliable energy, cybersecurity, and modern infrastructure. Federal spending tied to industrial policy and technology adoption creates clear opportunities for regional firms and talent. But seizing these gains must be balanced with protecting nonprofits, universities, and services that risk being left behind. 

Food for Thought 

These conversations didn’t aim for answers, but for sharper questions. Among those, the region must keep asking: 

  • How can we unlock adaptability by aligning talent, innovation, and infrastructure? 
  • What does optimism in leadership look like when uncertainty surrounds us? 
  • How do we turn AI into an engine for both opportunity and responsibility? 
  • What bold steps would move the Capital Region from fragmented to united? 
  • How do we capture the upside of federal investment in energy and technology while protecting the nonprofits and services our communities rely on? 

Looking Ahead 

The Capital Region’s competitiveness will not be defined by uncertainty, but by how we adapt together. The Board of Trade will continue convening these conversations, ensuring that executive voices shape not only individual strategies but the collective future of our region together. 

Statement on a Potential Federal Government Shutdown

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Below is a statement from our President & CEO, Jack McDougle, on the potential federal government shutdown. The shutdown would significantly impact families, communities, and businesses in the Greater Washington region. 

Statement:

“A federal government shutdown would be damaging, especially now. It would hit contractors, small businesses, and service providers first and ripple through paychecks and operations across hospitality, public safety, healthcare, transportation, research, housing, and retail, undercutting confidence and slowing the region’s momentum at a critical time.

The federal enterprise must modernize to compete in a changing global economy: digitize services and operations, streamline procurement, right-size facilities and programs, and strengthen accountability and outcomes. But shutting the government down is not reform. It is costly, avoidable, and counterproductive.

Any continuing resolution is only a stopgap. Differences should be resolved in advance through regular order and timely appropriations, not brinkmanship. Congress and the Administration must finalize a bipartisan funding agreement now to give employers and families the predictability they need, then pursue negotiations through a normal, transparent budget process that improves outcomes without risking paychecks or public services.”

Jack McDougle, President & CEO

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About the Greater Washington Board of Trade

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness. Learn more about the Board of Trade and its mission at www.boardoftrade.org.

More from the Greater Washington Board of Trade: 

Check out our latest Newsletter sharing regional business news in our region: https://bit.ly/4n9inkc

Check out our latest Legislative Update sharing polices and pieces of legislation impacting our region: https://bit.ly/4mJcZ75

Shaping the Future: Recap of the Fall 2025 Board of Directors Meeting

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The Greater Washington Board of Trade’s Fall Board Meeting – generously hosted by board member Ian Jefferson and the team at McKinsey & Company – brought together leaders from across the region to focus on two priorities shaping Greater Washington’s future: delivering collaborative progress and shaping a stronger regional identity. 

Collaborative Progress in Action 

Energy in the room was high as members discussed how cross-sector collaboration is moving the region forward. 

Key highlights included: 

  • DMV Moves: advancing a dedicated funding strategy to ensure reliable, sustainable transit for the region. 
  • DMV Monitor: a newly launched regional platform that now provides a unified, trusted set of data across jurisdictions to guide policy and investment. 
  • Talent Capital: launching October 1, designed to make it easier for people in the National Capital Region to connect with jobs, training, coaching, events, and entrepreneurial resources – a platform built here, for this region, to support both workers and employers. 

Together, these initiatives reflect the power of aligned leadership and collective action to tackle complex challenges. 

Photo Sep 17 2025, 12 51 13 PM

Reimagining Our Regional Identity 

A second focus of the meeting was the region’s narrative – how we define Greater Washington and the impact that story has on our competitiveness. 

In partnership with APCO Worldwide – with special thanks to board member Evan Kraus and his talented team – board members took part in an interactive branding exercise building on this year’s conversations about positioning Greater Washington as more than a government town: a place where talent, culture, innovation, and opportunity converge. 

While participants explored ideas like Capitalize Your Future and Move With Us as ways to capture the region’s strengths, Jack McDougle emphasized that the real takeaway isn’t about picking a slogan – it’s about leaders across sectors speaking with a united, confident voice about Greater Washington so that, over time, this shared narrative strengthens our identity and attracts more talent, investment, and innovation. 

Looking Ahead 

The meeting closed with a shared understanding: building a stronger regional identity takes time, resources, and collective leadership – but it’s already underway.

From funding transit and unifying data to shaping the narrative that defines Greater Washington, the Board of Trade will continue to convene, lead, advocate, and innovate to keep the region competitive. 

Together, we are laying the groundwork for Greater Washington to be recognized not only as the nation’s capital but as a region of opportunity – where talent, culture, and innovation drive long-term growth. 

Unlocking Connection Through Storytelling: Leadership Lessons from the O Museum

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As today’s leaders navigate increasingly complex environments, the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series reminds us that leadership growth is strengthened through the stories we tell, the challenges we share, and the connections we build.

On September 24th in Washington, D.C., the Board of Trade, in partnership with TD Bank and the O Street Museum (O Museum), hosted the final session of this year’s series: The Power of Storytelling in Leadership. Surrounded by hidden doors and eclectic artifacts, attendees explored how storytelling can turn everyday interactions into meaningful experiences.

Change, Connection, and the Stories Between

The conversation wove together insights from H. Leonards, founder of the O Museum, and David Hargadon of TD Bank. Leonards reminded guests that creativity, curiosity, and imagination create space for growth and “real change comes from changing one heart at a time.” Hargadon built on this message, sharing how storytelling can strengthen relationships and leadership presence. Networking, he emphasized, isn’t about exchanging cards but about sharing short, memorable moments that reveal values, build trust, and humanize leadership.

Those ideas came to life as participants set out on a scavenger hunt through the museum, using artifacts as prompts for conversation. A vintage guitar might spark a story about teamwork; a hidden door could inspire reflection on navigating change. What could have been ordinary networking quickly became an exercise in discovery, showing how curiosity and shared experience can turn small interactions into genuine connection.

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Lessons That Last

The morning’s conversations left participants with reminders to carry forward:

  • Connection matters: Memorable anecdotes make conversations more impactful.
  • Identity is built through story: Consistent messages reinforce both personal and organizational brands.
  • Resilience inspires: Sharing challenges demonstrates courage and motivates others.

Celebrating the 2025 Series

This session concluded the 2025 TD Bank Morning Star Speaker Series, which over three installments focused on emotional intelligence, collaboration, and storytelling. Across the year, participants gained practical tools, shared experiences, and meaningful dialogue that turned leadership concepts into human connection.

As the Board of Trade looks ahead, that spirit will continue, creating opportunities for Greater Washington leaders to grow and lead in ways that are, in the words of TD Bank, unexpectedly human.

Special Thanks

The Greater Washington Board of Trade extends its thanks to TD Bank for 18 years of partnership in fostering unexpectedly human leadership experiences, and to the O Museum for hosting this imaginative and engaging session.

Founder of the O Museum and beloved figure in Washington, H. Leonards has devoted her life to building spaces that spark curiosity, creativity, and social change. She is also the visionary behind 51 Steps to Freedom®, an app and living trail that turns D.C. into the largest outdoor museum, bringing history to life for a new generation.

Building Momentum for RFK Stadium Redevelopment Project

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The future of RFK Stadium is moving closer to reality after September 17, when D.C. Council voted again in favor of the RFK stadium redevelopment legislation. Redeveloping RFK is not just about building a stadium; it’s about creating a 21st-century destination that reflects the values and ambitions of the District and its residents. The Board of Trade is proud to be a leading voice in shaping that future, and we will remain engaged as the process advances.  (Statement: D.C. Council final vote for redevelopment funding on Sept. 17)

This project represents more than bricks and mortar; it is a chance to reshape an iconic site into a destination that drives economic growth, improves connectivity, and enhances the quality of life across the District and region. The project will create 14,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs, generating $4 billion in tax revenue and more than $15.6 billion in direct spending over 30 years. Spanning about 180 acres of the former RFK Stadium site, the campus will transform today’s underused riverfront parcel into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood.

 

This RFK Stadium stie redesign rendering is provided by KATO. See more here: https://www.rfknewstadium.com/

 

Earlier this year, the Board of Trade, city officials, and other local and regional groups testified before the D.C. Council in support of legislation that would unlock the potential of the RFK site and allow the city to move forward with a transformative vision, including: 

  • Letters of support were submitted to the D.C. Council outlining the opportunity to transform the District through a 65,000-seat roofed stadium for the Washington Commanders, designed to host not only football but also up to 200 annual events, including concerts and cultural gatherings.
  • In initial testimony before the D.C. Council, the case was made for legislation to unlock the potential of the RFK site and advance a broader vision for redevelopment. The testimony highlighted priorities such as strong transit connections, economic competitiveness, and community benefits. Specific elements included 6,000 new housing units (with at least 30% affordable), hotel rooms, new restaurants and retail, parking, an $89 million youth sportsplex, activation of the Fields at RFK, expanded green space, riverfront access, and walkable parks. (read our testimony here)  
  • Subsequent testimony supported the RFK Stadium funding bill and underscored the importance of timely action to prioritize infrastructure, affordable housing, and adherence to construction timelines. (read our second testimony here) 
  • In addition, Mayor Bowser and community leaders convened engagement events, including a rally at the Wilson Building and a stakeholder event hosted by the Mayor, to highlight the redevelopment’s potential business opportunities. These gatherings drew attention to the broad community and economic impacts of this once-in-a-generation project.

Throughout the entire process, we have been in ongoing dialogue with the Washington Commanders to ensure that the project balances economic competitiveness with community needs — from workforce opportunities to improved transit access and mixed-use development that serves residents and businesses alike. With upgraded utilities, new roadways, improved transit access, and vibrant hospitality districts like the Riverfront and Plaza, the project will revitalize the site and surrounding neighborhoods. It will serve as a community anchor by blending housing, commerce, recreation, and entertainment into a powerful driver of growth for the District.

The Board of Trade will continue to champion this redevelopment as an engine of growth, connectivity, and opportunity for the entire region. We look forward to continuing conversations with the Commanders, community leaders, and stakeholders to unlock all that the RFK site has to offer.  

Learn more about how we engage with leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure that the voices of Greater Washington’s business community are heard: https://www.bot.org/business-policy-greater-washington-dc/

Connect This Fall: Upcoming Board of Trade Events for Our Members

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Fall at the Greater Washington Board of Trade is when the energy of our region truly comes alive. Our calendar is brimming with gatherings that spark ideas, deepen relationships, and put business leaders at the center of conversations shaping what’s next for Greater Washington.

This season blends time-honored traditions with fresh opportunities—signature celebrations, exclusive executive forums, and policy discussions that set the tone for the months ahead. Many of these are member-only, designed to give our community unparalleled access to peers and decision-makers in trusted, candid settings.

Momentum is building, and you’ll want to be part of it. Explore the full calendar at www.bot.org/events or reach out at [email protected] to secure your place before these high-demand opportunities fill.

***These events below are for members of the Board of Trade and not open to the general public***

🍂Upcoming Fall Programs & Events🍂

Professional Development: Leadership Through Storytelling & Connection

The third session of the TD Bank Morning Star Series takes leadership learning out of the boardroom and into the O Museum. Through a guided scavenger hunt, participants will explore new ways to spark conversations, share stories, and build authentic connections.

Learn More & Register

Policy Briefing: Federal Priorities & Regional Impact

Executive Level, Members Only

Join fellow executives for a tactical briefing on the federal policies shaping the Capital Region. John Hallmark, EY’s U.S. Political & Legislative Leader, will share timely updates on looming deadlines and what they mean for our economy, workforce, and operations.

Space is Limited – Reserve Your Seat Today

Signature Event: Fall Business Classic

One of Greater Washington’s most beloved traditions returns—this year at Signal House, a stunning rooftop venue in Union Market. Join hundreds of business, government, and civic leaders for an evening of networking, connection, and celebration in one of D.C.’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Register Today

Regional Insights: 2025 Hunger Report

Fresh insights from the 2025 Hunger Report reveal powerful connections between food security, workforce readiness, and regional competitiveness. Join Radha Muthiah, President & CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank, for a dialogue on what the data means for business leaders and how collaboration can drive resilience.

Join the Conversation

Executive Insights: Economic Trends & Regional Competitiveness

Executive Level, Members Only 

As Greater Washington faces budget uncertainty, housing challenges, and workforce shifts, business leaders need clear perspective on the economic forces shaping our region. In this private, conversational roundtable, Tom Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will share the Fed’s outlook and engage members in candid dialogue on competitiveness.

Space is Limited – Reserve Your Seat Today

Leadership Insights: Adapting to Policy Change

Federal policymaking is moving fast, with ripple effects on budgets, workforce priorities, and the region’s competitiveness. Guided by experts from K&L Gates, this session will cut through the noise and connect national decisions to practical strategies for Greater Washington’s business leaders.

Join the Conversation

Signature Event: 136th Annual Meeting

Since 1889, the Board of Trade’s Annual Meeting has brought members together to celebrate progress and set priorities for the year ahead. This cornerstone gathering is a must-attend for industry leaders, offering unmatched networking and a shared vision for Greater Washington’s future.

Register Today

Executive Networking: Virginia Mae Center Salon

Executive Level, Members Only 
Experience the beauty of the newly renovated Virginia Mae Center while connecting with fellow executives in an intimate, year-end gathering. Enjoy seasonal flavors and candid conversation as we close the year with perspective and shared connections.

Secure Your Spot

Both man and machine are causing big changes in the Washington, D.C. region | WTOP

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This content is sponsored by EagleBank and was originally published on WTOP. 

“Our region is undergoing a fairly significant transformation,” said Jack McDougle, the President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, “probably the greatest transformation it’s ever seen.”

The reasons: major shifts in the federal government and the rise of artificial intelligence.

However, McDougle believes government restructuring actually presents an opportunity.

“For the longest time, our region has aspired to develop an economy that wasn’t quite as reliant on the federal government… this is accelerating it.”

“Our region comes to this with a significant resource base,” he said. That includes a highly skilled workforce, a significant university network and other types of research and development activities.

McDougle adds that this region boasts “the third most productive biotech corridor in the country.”

“We’re the fifth largest recipient of venture capital money in the country,” he said.

Further, he states the region will still have a strong presence in the hospitality and tourism area. “If you think about our cultural assets in this region, and our monuments and our parks, that still is a significant draw for a global audience,” he said. “It still will be a pretty broad-based economy.”

Finally, some federal employees are leaving their jobs and starting their own businesses, “which is pretty interesting,” he said.

While those changes are the largely end result of political actions, there are also concerns that A.I. could affect the local economy.

Artificial intelligence itself may not be coming for your job, McDougle said, “but somebody who is equipped with artificial intelligence will be.”

“So it’s in everyone’s interest to figure out how it is that they will work with, use and learn to coexist with artificial intelligence.”

The region’s many small businesses could stand to benefit from A.I.

For businesses grappling with talent issues, “utilizing artificial intelligence now can make them more effective, quicker, (and) more productive with their current staff,” McDougle said.

“The challenge, though, is how do they really adopt those tools? How do they use those tools, and how do they invest in them?”

Despite all the upheaval, McDougle describes himself as optimistic about the region, long-term, because of the resources we have.

“And when you think about…deploying those resources more effectively, we’d be untouchable.”

Those resources include not only access to the federal government, but also “something that’s different about our workforce.”

“Our workforce is a little different because it’s mission driven,” McDougle said. “It’s civic-oriented.”

“And so if we can get out in front on the policy side, the regulatory side, the technology side, the capital and investment side, that’s a really unique combination that no one else has.”

GWBOT August 2025 Newsletter

Posted on by Board of Trade

The Board of Trade remains focused on advancing the priorities that matter most to Greater Washington. This August newsletter shows a variety of engagements we have had across Greater Washington with members and public officials, while also showcasing meaningful updates on priorities we are following in the region. We also have a variety of member news updates that showcase regional collaboration!

Read our August 2025 Newsletter here

Celebrating Executive Assistants with Connection and Conversation

Posted on by Board of Trade

 

The Board of Trade had the pleasure of convening a group of executive assistants for an appreciation lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill in downtown Washington, D.C., on August 20. The gathering offered a rare opportunity for EAs — so often working diligently behind the scenes — to step out from behind the computer, connect with peers, and share experiences in a supportive and energizing setting. 

As part of our professional development roundtable series, the event was designed not only to celebrate executive assistants but also to equip them with tools that support their work. Our featured speaker, Ernie Davis, Personal & Executive L&B Coach, led a thoughtful session on Myers-Briggs Strategy for Managing, Influencing, & Understanding Difficult People. With over 60 million people worldwide having taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, the discussion highlighted how understanding personality preferences can strengthen communication and relationships in both professional and personal contexts. 

Many in the group were surprised to see their personality type shift from when they last took the test, which sparked an engaging conversation about how we evolve over time. The group also reflected on the qualities they share — being organized, effective communicators, and highly observant — while noting that individuals who don’t fit the “traditional” mold of extroverted or fact-driven can bring equally valuable strengths. 

Ernie encouraged participants to lean into their natural preferences and show up authentically. “If you show up to work every day outside of who you are, that’s a fast track to burnout,” he reminded the group. His message resonated deeply, reinforcing the importance of authenticity not just in leadership, but in every role that helps an organization thrive. 

The energy in the room was infectious. Attendees lingered after the session, continuing conversations and sharing stories—leaving the lunch both appreciated and better equipped as they head into a busy fall season. Beyond the camaraderie, the session offered a practical reminder of how professional development can directly support executive assistants in their critical roles: stronger communication, sharper self-awareness, and strategies to reduce burnout while amplifying their impact on the teams they support. 

We are grateful to every executive assistant for the hard work, resilience, and dedication they bring to their roles each day. We look forward to reconvening this group soon and continuing to build this community through future gatherings in our professional development roundtable series. 

 

Learn More and Register for Annual Meeting

Learn More and Register for Fall Business Classic

Statement: Board of Trade on President’s Announcement to Deploy National Guard Troops in Washington, DC

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“The Greater Washington Board of Trade shares the priority of keeping our communities safe and ensuring that people and businesses can thrive without disruption. Public safety is the foundation of a strong economy and quality of life.

In recent years, the District has made meaningful progress in reducing crime, with violent crime and property crime now at some of the lowest levels in recent memory. These gains are the result of sustained efforts by city leadership, law enforcement, business leaders, community organizations, and residents working together.

We welcome continued federal cooperation and coordination to build on this success. However, the National Guard’s mission is not law enforcement, and the deployment of troops for this purpose is likely unnecessary. We encourage federal leaders to work closely with District officials to support proven, community-based strategies that enhance safety while respecting the rights and trust of all residents.

The Board of Trade remains committed to fostering a safe, resilient, and inclusive Capital Region for all who live, work, and visit here.”

ABOUT THE BOARD OF TRADE

The Greater Washington Board of Trade, founded in 1889, is the region’s premier non-partisan business organization representing industry, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies. The Board of Trade addresses complex and always-evolving business concerns that stretch across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia, with a priority focus on inclusive economic growth, improving the business climate, and enhancing the region’s economic competitiveness.  

READ MORE POLICY ISSUES AND TOPICS THE BOARD OF TRADE IS FOLLOWING

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