Stafford Economic Development Authority Members

Joel Griffin, EDA Chairman, Rock Hill District

Joel is a veteran of the U.S. Marines and the business sector, boasting 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. A member since 2009, he has led the EDA as chairman since 2015. A business owner himself, Joel leads Riphean Investments, an investment portfolio company for new ventures in private equity/venture capital and in the hospitality industry. He is the co-founder of the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, which raises awareness and education of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Donald Newlin, EDA Vice Chairman, George Washington District

A Stafford resident since 1969, Donald has shaped EDA initiatives since 1976. A financial advisor with over 50 years in the brokerage business, he champions policies that lessen the tax burden on Stafford residents. Devoted to the community in which he lives, Donald has served on various boards, including Mary Washington Healthcare, The Salvation Army, and Rappahannock Valley Football. He is also a founding member of the Rappahannock YMCA.

 Howard Owen, EDA Treasurer, 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.

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.

Heather Hagerman, 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.

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.

Jack Rowley, 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.

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!

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