About the EDA

Stafford Economic Development Authority Members

Marlon Wilson, 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.

Daryl Weedeman, Vice Chairman, 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.

Dave Burton, Treasurer, George Washington District, 

Dave Burton works in the defense industry, providing strategic communications and specialized-studies subject matters expertise to government clients. He is a proven leader of mission and goal-oriented organizations and has been an intelligence and acquisitions professional with a trailblazing 36-year career in the Marine Corps. As the service’s first Senior Military Acquisitions Advisor, he has led service-level coordination efforts through strategically focused technical exchanges, experiments and capability delivery across designated programs. His service on the EDA offers a meaningful opportunity to help shape Stafford County’s long-term economic future by applying professional expertise to attract quality employers, and promote balanced, sustainable growth.

Frank Porcelli, Secretary, 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.

Gene Brown, Hartwood District

Gene Brown is President of Atlantic Builders, a privately held local residential homebuilder, developer, and commercial construction company founded in 1988 and headquartered in the Fredericksburg region. He joined Atlantic Builders in 2001 and has experience spanning land & entitlements acquisition, development, construction management, and purchasing.

A resident of the area, Gene also serves as a board member at Fredericksburg Christian Health Center and Progressive Missions. He previously served on the boards of the Rappahannock Area YMCA and Stafford Junction, and has volunteered on Stafford County transportation funding work, developing analysis for the Board of Supervisors.

Gene brings the EDA a practical understanding of how projects actually get built, from site selection and entitlement to financing and construction, and how policy decisions affect the businesses and families on the other end of those decisions. His focus is on helping Stafford attract quality investment and keeping growth pace with the county’s infrastructure and the needs of its residents.

Jeff Roosa, 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.

Shephia Waldon, Aquia District

Shephia Waldon is a Founder, President and CEO with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in government services, business growth and strategic operations. She leads a government services firm serving federal, state and commercial clients nationwide, with expertise spanning defense, infrastructure, security and professional services. Shephia has led organizations in highly regulated and mission-critical environments, overseeing complex operations, program execution and client delivery.

Representing the Aquia District on the Stafford Economic Development Authority, Shephia brings the perspective of a business owner, employer and experienced government contractor. She is committed to strengthening Stafford County’s competitive position, supporting business growth and attracting investment that expands economic opportunity throughout the community.

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.

 

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. 

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