About the EDA

Stafford Economic Development Authority Members

Jack Rowley, Chairman, Hartwood District

Serving on the board since 2001, Jack Rowley brings decades of senior executive experience in the paper industry, equipping him with a unique perspective on business development. A dedicated philanthropist, Jack is currently the Chair of the Germanna Community College Board and President of the Real Estate Foundation. He also contributes his expertise as a member of the Stafford Hospital and United Way Foundation Boards. Jack’s past service includes nine years on the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Directors, 18 years as a director for the Rappahannock United Way, and previous leadership on the Rappahannock Community Services Board. He remains actively involved with the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club. In his downtime, Jack enjoys spending time with his family and maintaining his classic car collection.

Marlon Wilson, Vice Chairman, 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.

Price Jett, Treasurer, George Washington District

Price Jett is the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Lynchburg, where he oversees all financial operations, investments, and fundraising activities. He brings extensive experience in both finance and technology leadership across nonprofit, corporate, and global organizations.

Prior to joining the University of Lynchburg, Mr. Jett served as Chief Financial Officer of the International Mission Board (IMB.org), managing an asset base of $1.1 billion USD. He previously held the role of Chief Information Officer at IMB, where he led the organization’s global technology portfolio, established governance processes for technology initiatives, and implemented cost-saving vendor restructuring efforts.

Before his tenure at IMB, Mr. Jett founded The Care Group, a company leveraging technology to help families navigate the complexities of elder care. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Information Officer and Executive Director of The Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner) from 2002 to 2016, leading a global technology team of 300 and a publishing team of 200 across five continents.

Mr. Jett holds an MBA from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He and his wife, Diedre, reside in Virginia and have three children—Peter, PJ, and Rachel.

Jeff Roosa, Secretary, Rock Hill District

Jeff Roosa is a seasoned Information Technology professional with more than two decades of experience in Federal IT, delivering mission-critical support to advance national objectives. With a distinguished 30-year career in the United States Marine Corps, Jeff brings exceptional discipline, strategic insight, and a steadfast commitment to service—values that define both his military and professional endeavors.

His extensive background in defense and technology provides a unique perspective on leadership, operational excellence, and innovation in support of complex missions. Dedicated to serving his country and community, Jeff continues to apply his expertise to strengthen organizational performance and operational readiness.

Daryl Weedeman, Garrisonville District

Daryl Weedeman is recognized for his role as the Chief Operating Officer at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. With a career spanning over four decades, Daryl has demonstrated a commitment to operational excellence and leadership. Before his current position, he served as an Executive Recruiter for Premier Associates, Inc. His extensive experience includes a significant tenure at BJ’s Wholesale Club, where he held positions ranging from General Manager to Regional Director of Operations. Daryl’s professional journey reflects a robust background in organizational management and a dedication to fostering growth and efficiency within the companies he has served.

Janette Holland, Aquia District

Janette Holland is a dedicated community leader and nationally recognized fiber artist based in Stafford, Virginia. With a background in information technology, a commitment to community service and a passion for helping others succeed, she has made a significant impact on her community.

Known for her kindness and hospitality, Holland has spent decades mentoring young people, particularly women, through various initiatives like youth ministries, community centers and business coaching. Her artistic talents blossomed into a successful business, creating and selling highly sought after pieces of fiber art and other items.

Beyond her professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, Holland is celebrated for her acts of service, including providing free gumbo to the community, regularly leading volunteer teams in the preparation and serving of dinner at a local homeless shelter, and volunteering at a senior home ministry. Her dedication to helping others has earned her recognition, such as the Ebone Image Award and articles in local publications and newspapers.

Frank Porcelli, Falmouth District

Frank Porcelli is a retired technology executive, entrepreneur, and former Chief Executive Officer of BigBear, Inc. (NYSE: BBAI). With more than 25 years of experience in Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise programs, Mr. Porcelli has led initiatives spanning program management, artificial intelligence and machine learning, large-scale system architecture, geospatial systems integration, and software development.

As co-founder of BigBear, Inc., he initially served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer before assuming the role of CEO in 2016. In this capacity, he was responsible for creating, planning, and implementing the company’s strategic direction; developing industry partnerships; identifying opportunities for growth; and positioning the company within a competitive technology landscape.

Before founding BigBear, Mr. Porcelli served as a Program Manager and Principal Software Engineer supporting the United States Marine Corps, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the National Ground Intelligence Center. He began his career as a Software Engineer, developing digital signal processing software for the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Porcelli earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

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

Go Virginia Grant for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

2023: The EDA receives a $195,000 grant from Go Virginia to expand the Testbed Entrepreneurial Ecosystem across Region 6, fostering business development.

Kilroy Robotics Grant Approval

2024: The EDA continues their support of STEM education with a $10,000 annual donation to support Kilroy Robotics, a STEM education organization in Stafford Schools supported by the EDA for 5+ years.

Business Acumen Series Funding

2023: The EDA allocates up to $10,000 to fund 50 seats for Stafford businesses in the UMW Business Acumen Series, promoting business development and education. The EDA continued their support for the second annual UMW Business Acumen in 2024.

AJGA Golf Tournament Support

2022: The EDA contributes $25,000 to support the annual AJGA Golf Tournament, generating over $190,000 in local economic impact and $24,000 in local charitable donations to Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Special Olympics Virginia.

Langley Flight Foundation Aerodrone Project

2022: The EDA funds $10,000 to the Langely Flight Foundation in support of Aerodrone Replication Project at the Stafford Airport

Workforce Partnership with Germanna College

2022: The EDA donates $750,000 towards establishing a permanent site for Germanna College in Stafford, supporting local education and workforce development.

Internet of Things (IoT) Accelerator Program

2021: The EDA is awarded a $215,000 Go Virginia grant to establish a regional Internet of Things (IoT) Accelerator Program, boosting entrepreneurship in smart tech.

Opening of Virginia Smart Community Testbed

2021: The Virginia Smart Community Testbed officially opens, with Stafford County EDA as a founding partner. The EDA plays a key role in fostering business development through this initiative.

Go Virginia Smart Technology Expansion Project

2020: The EDA supports a project funded by a $96,250 Go Virginia planning grant to expand smart technology solutions across Region 6, facilitating workshops and strategic planning for local governments.

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.

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.

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.

Loan Programs

2019: The EDA launched business financing loan programs for small and expanding 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

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