Michael DeMarco

Michael J. DeMarco is an Adjunct Professor in the Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University, where he teaches 400-level courses in Strategic Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. He brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across corporate strategy, global marketing, pricing architecture, organizational redesign, and entrepreneurial venture development. Prior to joining Mason, he held senior leadership roles at ExxonMobil, serving as Global Strategic Alignment Manager and Global Marketing Operations Manager, where he led enterprise-wide initiatives in pricing strategy, marketing excellence, customer experience, and organizational transformation.

In addition to his corporate leadership background, Professor DeMarco is the Principal Consultant at Municipal Insights LLC, advising city managers, economic development authorities, and community leaders on strategy, redevelopment, and implementation planning. He also founded and operated Earp’s Ordinary, a 300-seat live music venue and restaurant in Fairfax, blending entrepreneurship with arts and community engagement.

A former four-term elected City Council Member for the City of Fairfax and past Chair of the City’s Economic Development Authority, Professor DeMarco has over 15 years of civic leadership experience in economic development, governance reform, and arts management. His teaching emphasizes applied strategy, ethical leadership, entrepreneurial execution, and the integration of business principles with community impact.

Relevant Academic Areas

• Strategic Management
• Entrepreneurship & Small Business
• Innovation
• Economic Development
• Organizational Strategy

 Research & Professional Interests

• Small business growth and entrepreneurship ecosystems
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Economic development and redevelopment policy
• Public-private partnerships
• Organizational transformation and governance

Education

• Columbia Business School – MBA, Finance (1991)
• Temple University – BBA, Economics (1984)
• The Pennsylvania State University – BA, Political Science (1982)

Selected Leadership & Service

• President, Spotlight on the Arts (2020–Present)
• Elected City Council Member, City of Fairfax (2012–2020)
• Chair, City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority (2008–2012)
• Board of Visitors, Penn State McCourtney Institute for Democracy (2012–Present)