Debi Sandlin is the new executive director of the Southeast Fairfax Development Corp. The group, dedicated to rejuvenating the Route 1 corridor, is navigating uncertain economic times. Despite a sour economy, the area is slated to see a boon from thousands of new military jobs coming to Fort Belvoir, which is creating great demand for development.

You spent eight years as Manassas’ economic development chief. How did you get into this field?