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JUSTIN VELEZ-HAGAN (MBA, Ph.D.)

Public Servant | Senior Policy & Business Leader | Economist | Author | Educator | Veteran

Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and senior economic advisor to the Governor of Virginia, helping to oversee statewide operations, guide the administration of the Commonwealth’s $87+ billion budget, and shape its long-term economic strategy. He leverages deep expertise in macroeconomic analysis and executive leadership to coordinate across all state agencies, aligning the Governor’s policy priorities with operational execution. In this role, he helps guide investment strategies, workforce initiatives, and regulatory reforms that strengthen Virginia’s competitiveness—supporting growth in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, advanced technology, heavy manufacturing, and telecommunications, while fostering the cross-sector partnerships essential for sustained economic development.

An executive recognized for bridging public policy and private enterprise, Dr. Vélez-Hagan specializes in translating complex economic data into actionable strategies that attract capital, foster innovation, and advance long-term development objectives. He has worked extensively with global corporations, high-growth startups, and government leaders to design and implement initiatives that align fiscal policy, infrastructure development, and regulatory reform with market realities—often reducing barriers to entry while accelerating investment timelines.

In addition to his government role, he serves as Managing Partner and Chief Investment Advisor for Solid G Holdings, overseeing investments across healthcare, advanced robotics, logistics, and communications. He continues to advise as President of Macro Policy Advisors, a firm he founded to produce applied economic research and strategic guidance for Fortune 500 companies, industry associations, and policymakers.

Dr. Vélez-Hagan is the author of The Common Sense behind Basic Economics (2015), The Paradox of Fiscal Austerity (2019), and the forthcoming Capitol Gains (2026). His analysis and commentary have been featured in Forbes, Fox News, Politico, The Hill, and CNBC, and he has appeared on BBC World, Fox Business, and NPR. He has presented economic research to congressional committees, federal agencies, and national regulators, as well as lectured at universities nationwide.

Previously, he founded The National Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, facilitating over $1.5 billion in corporate capital investments and securing millions in financing for small businesses. He has also invested in and advised companies in healthcare and specialized manufacturing, served as an adjunct professor of finance and economics, and contributed to boards including the National Military Family Association, American Latino Veterans Association, and the Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council. In 2022, he was appointed to Virginia’s Joint Advisory Board of Economists, serving until 2024 when he transitioned to his current role.

Dr. Vélez-Hagan earned his Ph.D. in Economic Policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; his MBA from Arizona State University; and his BS in Finance from the University of Louisville. A combat veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (Air Force) and a current officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, as well as a devoted husband and father of three.

Short Bio:

Dr. Justin Vélez-Hagan (MBA, Ph.D.) is Deputy Chief of Staff and senior economic advisor to the Governor of Virginia. As part of the team that manages statewide operations he also helps direct an $87+ billion budget, while driving the state’s economic growth strategies. A senior executive with deep expertise in macroeconomic analysis, he specializes in identifying market opportunities, attracting capital investment, and shaping policies that enhance competitiveness. He also serves as Managing Partner of Solid G Holdings and President of Macro Policy Advisors, with work featured in Forbes, CNBC, and Politico, and has advised corporate, government, and nonprofit leaders across the U.S. and internationally.

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