World Information Technology and Services Alliance Relocates Headquarters to Fairfax County

The World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a consortium of more than 60 leading information technology industry associations from countries around the world, has relocated its administrative headquarters to the offices of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). WITSA had been located in neighboring Arlington County. James H. Poisant, DPA, who became the organization’s first Secretary General in 2006, and Anders Halvorsen, Director of Public Policy, staff the WITSA office.

Founded in 1978, WITSA has an active advocacy role in international public policy issues affecting the global information infrastructure. WITSA members represent more than 90 percent of the world information and communication technology market. WITSA owns and licenses the World Congress on Information Technology brand, the premier industry forum of its kind, which is held every two years. Fairfax County hosted the 1998 World Congress at George Mason University.

Gerald Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA (www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org), said the high concentration of IT firms in Fairfax County—there are more than 5,400—makes it the ideal location for WITSA.

“The FCEDA is proud to partner with WITSA in this way,” Gordon said. “This gives us a highly validated reach into the premiere Information Technology businesses around the world.”

Poisant joined WITSA after serving in a number of executive positions for EDS for more than a decade. He also headed up Poisant International LLC, an internationally recognized event production company. Poisant served as President and CEO of COVITS, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Innovative Technology Symposium. In 1998, he was President and CEO of the World Congress on Information Technology.

Time magazine called Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C., “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth helps Fairfax County fund public services that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers a well-educated workforce, diverse real estate opportunities, access to domestic and international markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, and a business community based on technology and professional services.

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA maintains marketing offices in San Francisco, Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
Contacts

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA)
Alan Fogg, 703-790-0600
Mobile: 571-213-5065
afogg {at} fceda(.)org