About Local Focus

Hi, I’m Cortney Weber—founder of Local Focus, professional extrovert, community connector, and someone who firmly believes that small, community-rooted efforts can lead to big impact.

So, how did Local Focus come to be? That’s a story that spans coasts, careers, and a whole lot of volunteer hours.

Let’s rewind to 1999, my first job out of college as a marketing sponsorship coordinator for The Anschutz Company. They were preparing to open the brand-new Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles—home to the Lakers, Clippers, and Kings. My job? Make sure corporate sponsors received everything outlined in their contracts. If X beer company was promised 35 signs in the arena, I literally walked the building and counted them. But what stuck with me most wasn't the signage—it was the intentional way we made sponsors feel valued. That early lesson in appreciation and relationship-building would shape everything I’ve done since.

Fast forward: I moved to the DC area to be with my husband. I worked briefly at Sunrise Senior Living before becoming a stay-at-home mom to my son, who had some early health challenges (he’s now a thriving 17-year-old). But I wasn’t built to sit still. I threw myself into volunteer work, eventually earning the unofficial title of "professional volunteer." From preschool fundraisers to PTA president at Discovery Elementary, to co-directing the Discovery-Nottingham Friendship 5K to the Event Lead for the Arlington Chapter of Moms Demand Action—I was hooked on helping.

Then the pandemic hit. I knew I wanted to support the most vulnerable kids in Arlington, so I launched Project Headphones to provide an essential tool for virtual learning. In just three weeks, we raised over $175,000—including a $75K donation from Amazon—and provided headphones to APS students in need. That experience showed me the power of quick action, strategic messaging, and community trust.

After that, I got a call from a friend at Doorways, a nonprofit that needed help with their gala. That opportunity turned into something much more—it gave me the inspiration to start Local Focus.

Since then, I’ve helped organize campaigns, events, and marketing efforts for local nonprofits and small businesses across Arlington. I’ve also served as the Race Director for the Arlington Turkey Trot for the past three years, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that supports local nonprofit beneficiaries, attracts 4,000+ participants, and raises over $250,000 annually. This role allows me to combine everything I love: fundraising, community, and organized chaos.

Through all of it, I’ve never forgotten those early lessons from Staples Center: make people feel seen, show your appreciation, and always look for ways to create mutual value. Most local businesses and nonprofits don’t have the time, budget, or staff to launch full-scale marketing efforts—and that’s where Local Focus comes in. Whether you're between hires, planning your first fundraiser, or just need to refresh your online presence, I’m here to help.

I’ve lived in Arlington for over 20 years, and I care deeply about this community. My mission is simple: to help our community thrive—one local effort at a time.

Experience