Stephen Hartka

Stephen Hartka serves as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Research and Chief of Staff in the Executive Office at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. In this role, he oversees VEDP’s research, marketing, and communications functions while supporting executive leadership on strategic priorities, organizational alignment, and cross-division execution. His work focuses on translating data, analysis, and narrative into clear value propositions that advance Virginia’s economic development objectives and support informed decision-making across stakeholders.

Experience 
Before joining VEDP’s Research Division in 2018, Hartka spent five years with EY working in the firm’s Government & Public Sector practice. During his tenure with EY, he played a leading role delivering engagements and developing business with European Union Institutions, the French Treasury, and the African Development Bank among other clients. Hartka also previously worked as a consultant and writer for a digital communications agency and as an editorial consultant with an economic intelligence and advocacy firm.

Education 
B.A., Foreign Affairs, French Literature – University of Virginia
MPA, International Public Management – Sciences Po Paris