Welcome To Community Business Partnership

CBP Announces New Leadership!

Springfield, VA - The Community Business Partnership (CBP), a leader in business and entrepreneurial assistance serving Northern Virginia, announced on March 21st, 2018 that it selected Mark Scarano as its new Executive Director.

Scarano, a seasoned professional, who most recently led a Federal-State economic development partnership in New Hampshire, was chosen unanimously by the CBP’s Board of Directors. The selection of Scarano caps a comprehensive search to replace CBP Executive Director Kathy Wheeler, who has led the organization through impressive growth for over two decades.

“After a search that attracted a national pool of very strong candidates, we found Mark to be a great fit for his passionate enthusiasm of our mission and his extensive experience managing high growth organizations,” said CBP Board Chair Diane Dempsey. “We feel Mark Scarano can provide the leadership for this very vital organization.”

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead the CBP and anxious to expand the CBP’s success in helping entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive and grow,” stated Scarano. “With the support of the Board of Directors and dedicated staff, the CBP will continue to be a strong partner for business vitality in Northern Virginia.”

Mark Scarano led the Northern Border Regional Commission, a Federal State partnership for economic development in northern New England and New York, since 2015. As a Presidential appointee, Scarano worked with four northeast Governors to re-launch of the Commission into a respected economic development funder and advocate. Scarano had also previously led county economic development organizations in New Hampshire and Maine, building business assistance programs that directly influenced job creation, new businesses, and significant corporate investments.

Located in Springfield, the Community Business Partnership provides education, technical assistance, business incubation services, and access to capital and networking opportunities to small business owners and entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia. The Community Business Partnership’s focus includes socially and economically disadvantaged individuals including minorities, women and the disabled. It also supports a Veterans Business Outreach Center.