McDonnell Announces Satellite Provider's Move to Fairfax

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced Wednesday the world leader in satellite services will be moving its headquarters from Washington D.C. to Tysons in Fairfax County.

Intelsat will bring 430 jobs to Northern Virginia, leasing approximately 188,000 square feet at the new Tysons Tower, which is still under construction. Officials expect a mid-2014 move-in date.

“Adding an industry leader such as Intelsat, with its rich and storied history, to the roster of companies doing business in Virginia is a testament to the strong business climate that we are focused on continually improving,” McDonnell said in a statement. “I welcome Intelsat to Virginia, and am confident they will be a great corporate citizen and partner.”

McDonnell approved a $1.3 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to help Fairfax County prevail in the company’s choice between Maryland and the Commonwealth.

At 45 years old, Intelsat is the largest commercial satellite owner in the world. The company owns 50 satellites and operates 70, providing information and entertainment to national networks, Internet service providers and government agencies.

Intelsat Chief Executive Officer Dave McGlade said the redevelopment of Tysons was one of the main reasons he and his associates chose to move to Fairfax County.

“It’s really a place we can live, work and play,” he said. “It’s a transformation I think our employees will really like.”

Tysons Tower will be located within walking distance of the Silver Line, which McGlade said was another huge draw.

“It’s unparalleled,” he said. “We’re going to take advantage of the great work [officials] have done … We’re very proud to be here. We hope to celebrate our 100th anniversary here in Fairfax County.”

U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th), Sharon Bulova, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, and Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence) were also present at the event.

“I think Intelsat’s relocation to Tysons shows that it makes sense for companies to come to Fairfax County and do business,” Bulova said in a statement.

This fall has been busy with Tysons development news. In September, the Board approved the overhaul of Capitol One’s corporate headquarters and last month, they approved a 20-acre development by Cityline Partners.

“As Fairfax County emerges as the Washington region’s economic downtown, world-class companies such as Intelsat increasingly are finding this to be an environment conducive to business growth and success,” said Gerald Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, in a statement.