Richmond, Virginia (December 4, 2025) — The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) announced that John Loftus, former Director of Real Estate at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 VEDA President’s Award.

The honor was presented during VEDA’s Winter Membership Meeting, recognizing Loftus for his extraordinary and enduring contributions to economic development in the Commonwealth.

VEDA comprises hundreds of professionals from the state in economic development and other related fields. Annually, the outgoing president recognizes an outstanding member or members for exemplary contributions to the membership-based nonprofit.

The President’s Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate unwavering dedication, significant impact and service that strengthens Virginia’s economic competitiveness.

Loftus, who retired from VEDP earlier this year, embodies these qualities through decades of quiet leadership, deep subject-matter expertise and steadfast support of colleagues across the state.

Loftus has been a trusted resource and champion for Virginia’s communities for more than 30 years. He is widely respected for his unrivaled knowledge of business sites throughout the Commonwealth and his ability to translate that knowledge into actionable strategies for business attraction and expansion.

His leadership was instrumental in advancing site development efforts statewide, including major contributions to the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) and other initiatives that have improved Virginia’s inventory of market-ready sites and buildings.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Loftus has also been a dedicated volunteer within VEDA. His generosity with his time, his willingness to share ideas and his mentorship of industry peers have made him an indispensable member of the economic development community.

“John has been a valuable resource to the Commonwealth and VEDA membership for over three decades. His leadership, knowledge and foresight have contributed to the many successes we have enjoyed,” said VEDA President Gregory Hitchin. “It is an honor to recognize him with this year’s President’s Award.”

Throughout his tenure at VEDP and in his volunteer leadership with VEDA, Loftus has demonstrated a rare combination of technical skill, strategic vision and humility. all of which have strengthened Virginia’s position as a top state for business and investment.

Loftus also earned a VEDA Cardinal Award in 2021, the organization’s most prestigious individual honor.

“VEDA is thrilled to recognize John’s legacy of impact on Virginia’s economic development landscape,” Hitchin added. “His dedication to advancing Virginia’s readiness for economic opportunities has elevated the work of countless professionals and communities.”

Previous President’s Award recipients include Mike Grundmann (VEDP) in 2024, Paul Bryan (Froehling & Robertson) and Kristen Costello (Dewberry) in 2023, Christy Morton (Two Capitols Consulting) in 2022, Stephen Moret (Strada Foundation) in 2021, Jody A. Keenan (Virginia SBDC Network) in 2020 and Christopher D. Lloyd (McGuireWoods Consulting) in 2017.

To learn more about VEDA and its membership options, visit GoVEDA.org.

VEDA is a member-based professional association committed to providing training and development; networking opportunities; and serving as the voice of the economic development community, creating economic opportunity and prosperity for the Commonwealth of Virginia. VEDA's members is comprised of more than 650 economic development professionals and related industry professionals from across the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information about VEDA visit the website at www.GoVEDA.org. 



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