About the EDA

Stafford Economic Development Authority Members

Howard Owen, Chairman, Falmouth District

As the longtime owner of Stafford Printing, Howard brings valuable small business perspectives to the table. The Falmouth representative on the EDA since 2017 and the current treasurer, Howard has residents’ best interests at heart. Howard is a member of the Stafford Hospital Foundation and remains active in an HP global digital printing cooperative. When he’s not shaping local communities, he’s exploring other ones in Cape Cod, or cheering on Alabama football with his family.

Heather Hagerman, Vice Chairman, Garrisonville District

Boasting 20-plus years in commercial property and development, Heather is a local real estate broker who knows the ins and outs of business relocation and attraction. Beyond her work with the EDA since 2016, Heather devotes her time to local charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg, the SPCA, and Truist.

Jack Rowley, Treasurer, Hartwood District

A board member since 2001, Jack’s decades of leadership in the paper industry provided him with a valuable take on business development. A devoted philanthropist, he serves as vice chair of the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees and the president of Germanna Community College Real Estate Foundation. Jack previously served as a Rappahannock United Way director for 18 years, past director for Rappahannock Community Services Board, and remains active with the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. He enjoys leisure time with his family and his classic car collection.

Danielle Davis, Aquia District

As a business leader and a 25-plus year resident, Danielle advocates for a healthy balance between residential and business growth. The financial analyst-turned-consultancy firm owner brings breadth to the conversation, as a community volunteer, blogger, military wife, and mother. Danielle has served on local and state boards, including a Governors Citizens Advisory Board for DPOR and the Stafford County Telecommunications Commission, which she chaired.

Price Jett, George Washington District

Price Jett is Chief Financial Officer of The International Mission Board (IMB.org) managing an asset base of $1.1B USD.   He previously served as Chief Information Officer of IMB. He managed all aspects of IMB’s technology portfolio and established a global governance process for technology initiatives, as well as restructured financial arrangements with vendors to eliminate waste. Prior to work at IMB, Price founded The Care Group, using technology to help families navigate the complex world of elder care. Price  also previously served as the Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of The Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner) from 2002 to 2016. There, he led a technology team of 300 and a publishing team of 200 across five continents. He and his wife, Diedre, have three children, Peter, PJ and Rachel. Price holds an MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca NY and a BS in Physics from The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg VA.

Jeff Roosa, Rock Hill District

Specializing in information technology within the Federal Government, Jeff has over 20 years experience supporting  the Departments of Navy, Justice, State, and the Transportation Security Administration. Leveraging his IT experience coupled with a career in the United States Marine Corps, Jeff has been able to balance professional and personal commitments; serving his country and serving his community from coaching youth sports to serving on his HOA Board of Directors.

Marlon Wilson, Griffis-Widewater District

A business executive in the information technology industry, Marlon works at a women-owned, veteran-owned firm. With over 25 years of experience in program management, government contracting, and business acquisitions and development, the U.S. Army veteran also serves as a local minister. Keen to balance economic growth with family-oriented development, Marlon has deepened the dialogue on the EDA since 2020.

Charles Payne, Jr., Counsel

A Fredericksburg native through and through, Charles prides himself on the business development services he provides to his region. Serving as the counsel for the EDA for over 15 years, Charles advocates for sustainable, long term prosperity for the region. His practice areas include corporate and general business law, zoning and land use, commercial real estate, and federal and state government relations.

Dale Hendon, EDA Secretary

Dale has advised political campaigns, legislative offices, and non-profits with a focus on integrating data, analytics, and technology into their efforts over his 12-year career. A team member since 2021, Dale supports and manages an array of projects, including: data and technology, research and grants, and special development projects. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys boating, fishing, and hunting with his wife and daughter.

Dale holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a graduate certificate in public policy from Liberty University.

 

Linzy Browne, EDA Marketing & Events Professional

True to her roots, this Florida native brings a sunny perspective to marketing and events. When Linzy is involved, the ideas are fresh and the plan is solid, thanks to a track record in non-profit, government, education, and business marketing. Within the Stafford team, Linzy contributes to marketing strategy, social media management, design, and website performance monitoring. Linzy received a bachelor’s degree in public relations and environmental policy from the University of West Florida. She holds certifications in digital marketing and Google Analytics. Equally comfortable crunching stats as she is catching waves, Linzy loves water sports, the great outdoors, and craft brews. To showcase your business, sponsor an event, or get involved with the EDA, contact Linzy!

History Timeline

  • COVID-19 Small Business Relief

    2020: Provided financial support for small businesses and nonprofits in COVID-19 relief through a total of $1,742,672 in grant funding.

  • Broadband Expansion

    2020: Supported Stafford County’s efforts to expand broadband to underserved areas by providing $50,000 in cash match to a grant that expanded broadband to 750 houses in Stafford and acted as the conduit for additional projects that contributed over $200,000 towards broadband expansion to hundreds of more residences.

  • Awarded Grant Funds for Entrepreneurial Development

    2020: The EDA was awarded a $75,000 grant from GO Virginia to support entrepreneurial development in Stafford County. 

  • Germanna Community College Expansion

    2020: EDA fulfilled a pledge to support the expansion of Germanna Community College Stafford County campus.  The EDA has committed $750,000 for Germanna Expansion at the Barbara Fried Center in Stafford. 

  • Loan Programs

    2019: The EDA launched business financing loan programs for small and expanding businesses in Stafford.

  • Veterans Entrepreneurial Development Program

    2016: The EDA launched the first Stafford County Veterans focused entrepreneurial development program, This program is designed to support business education and development for the military community, and to grow veteran owned businesses in Stafford.

  • Welcome Stafford Hospital

    2009: The EDA was a strong advocate and supporter for the development of Stafford Hospital and assisted the hospital with tax exempt funding which was a benefit to the community and Mary Washington Healthcare.

  • Emergency Communication Equipment Bond

    2002:  In response to the Beltway Sniper attacks in October of 2002, the EDA provided a bond for the purchase of a 23 million dollar Emergency Responders Communication Equipment System which allowed Stafford County Police and other emergency services to correspond with surrounding counties and communities in times of crisis.

  • Business Appreciation

    1993: The first Business Appreciation Reception for Stafford County businesses and employees. 

  • Welcome Stafford's First Distribution Center

    1973: The Economic Development Authority welcomes Southland Distribution Center. 

More Information

Financial Programs

Stafford's targeted loan programs help the business community prosper.

Events

Events in the Stafford County, Virginia area

Contact Us

Get in touch with Stafford's Economic Development team.

Get Involved

Shake up the business narrative. Explore Stafford today and sign up for our Monthly Newsletter.