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MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
| THURSDAY, August 6, 2026 |
A meeting of the Frederick County Economic Development Authority was held on
Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. at Winchester Regional Airport at 491 Airport
Road, Winchester, VA 22602.
PRESENT: Jason Aikens, Bryan Fairbanks, Diane Kearns, Christine Kriz, and Doug
Rinker. Tina Murphy was absent.
STAFF: Wendy May, Interim Director, and Shayla Rickard, Business Retention Manager,
Frederick County Economic Development Authority; Jay Tibbs and Wyatt Pearson,
Frederick County Deputy County Administrators; and Michael Bryan, EDA Attorney.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Bryan Fairbanks, Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:00
a.m. and thanked Winchester Regional Airport for hosting the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of the June 11, 2026, meeting, and July 22 and July 23 closed sessions, were
presented. On motion duly made by Mr. Aikens and seconded by Ms. Kearns, the minutes were
approved as presented by the following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Absent
Doug Rinker Aye
TREASURER’S REPORTS
Ms. May submitted the following reports:
Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of May 31, 2026 - $13,214.72
IntraFi Account – Bank of Clarke as of March 31, 2026 - $3,252,656.02
Checking Account – Bank of Clarke as of June 30, 2026 - $15,042.65
IntraFi Account – Bank of Clarke as of June 30, 2026 - $3,259,680.04
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On motion of Mr. Aikens, seconded by Mr. Rinker, the Treasurer’s Reports were approved by
the following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Absent
Doug Rinker Aye
Mr. Fairbanks asked Mr. Tibbs to bring to a future meeting: the EDA’s current investment policy
and a review of investment options currently available in the market. Mr. Aikens supported this
action and asked what limitations the EDA has when it comes to investment.
LAUREL RIDGE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDING
Ms. May presented a request from Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions to
carry forward unutilized funds from the EDA’s previous $200,000 FastForward scholarship
allocation. Ms. Anna Teter expressed her thanks on behalf of Laurel Ridge for this impactful
support.
On motion of Mr. Rinker, seconded by Ms. Kearns, the carryforward of funding was approved
by the following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
Christine Kriz Abstained
Tina Murphy Absent
Doug Rinker Aye
RECOGNITION OF SERVICE
Ms. May presented three resolutions for consideration recognizing the service of previous
board members.
On motion of Mr. Aikens, seconded by Mr. Rinker, the resolutions were approved by the
following recorded vote:
Jason Aikens Aye
Bryan Fairbanks Aye
Diane Kearns Aye
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Christine Kriz Aye
Tina Murphy Absent
Doug Rinker Aye
EDA DIRECTOR SEARCH
Mr. Fairbanks provided an update on the EDA Director search process and timeline. At the time
of the meeting, 39 applications had been received.
WINCHESTER REGIONAL AIRPORT UPDATE
Mr. Nick Sabo, Executive Director of Winchester Regional Airport, provided an overview of
airport operations and economic development opportunities in aerospace and aviation. Mr. Bill
Pifer, chairman of Winchester Regional Airport Authority, and Mr. Gene Fisher, vice chairman,
thanked the EDA for their support of the airport and for the collaboration shown in furthering
the aviation and aerospace industry.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before this Authority, the meeting was adjourned at
9:16 a.m.
________________________________ ____________________________
Bryan Fairbanks Jay Tibbs
Acting Chairman Secretary