Grace Festa, CEcD, is a seasoned economic development leader dedicated to helping biopharma companies grow and thrive in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As Director of Biopharmaceuticals at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, she leverages strategic insights, people-focused engagement, and tailored resources to support businesses in achieving their growth objectives. With over a decade of experience in business development and investment, Grace has a proven track record of connecting companies with the tools, talent, and networks they need to succeed. She holds a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and a B.A. in Spanish and German from the University of Connecticut. Passionate about innovation and collaboration, Grace also enjoys exploring the outdoors and fostering meaningful professional relationships across the industry.