Josh Summits

Business Development Manager

He’s a beach bum at heart but a city slicker in practice, having spent a decade in urban and economic development. In his posts for the City of Johnstown (PA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (PA), Josh expanded and attracted businesses, boosted investment, and packaged financing. In 2019, he joined the Stafford team, with clever financing ideas paving the way forward.

Josh earned a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from West Virginia University. He holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Josh’s ambition within the field was recognized by the National Development Council, as he’s a designated Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP).

Liz Barber

Director

With a unique background in non-profit, economic development, legislative affairs, and entrepreneurism, Liz is excited to bring her experience (and sunny Florida disposition) to Stafford.

Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with minors in management and marketing from Stetson University. She holds a master’s degree in professional studies with a focus on executive leadership from Hodges University. She is a graduate of the Virginia Institute of Economic Development through Virginia Tech. She also received a certification from Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business in hospitality & tourism management.

When she isn’t working at Stafford to help businesses grow, she’s either on a cruise or planning her next one. She loves to travel, a quality glass of wine, and spending time with family (and rambunctious dog, Buffy).

Linzy Browne

Marketing Manager

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.

Christine Mulrooney

Admin Specialist

She’s a dedicated professional with a wealth of diverse experience, who has woven her career across multiple locations. Originally from Maryland, her journey began as her marriage led her to Maine before settling in San Diego for a decade and eventually to Virginia Beach. She adeptly maneuvered through various roles — Administrative Assistant, HR Assistant, Payroll Specialist, and a proactive member of the Spirit of Caring committee. This platform enabled Christine to orchestrate impactful volunteer events, spanning from blood drives to collaborating with Habitat for Humanity, fostering a strong sense of community engagement within the regional office.

Relocating to Stafford County in 2018 due to military orders, Christine seamlessly transitioned into similar roles, adding Accounts Payable/Receivable to the skill set. Armed with a BS in Human Resource Management and an AA in Business Administration, Christine brings a balanced blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience to the table.

As a military spouse for 29 years and a proud mother to three accomplished adult children — two sons employed in local Stafford County companies and a daughter working at the Stafford County Courthouse — Christine has deep ties to the community. Her husband, a retired Navy veteran turned contractor, complements the family’s dynamic.

Having embraced Stafford County, Christine and her family have woven themselves into the fabric of the community, relishing the area’s charm. When not immersed in professional endeavors, Christine finds solace in moments spent with her beloved cocker spaniel or embarking on leisurely strolls alongside her husband and Labrador retriever/mix. Fall and winter hold a special place in Christine’s heart, especially during the holiday season. Car rides to the mountains or beach, family game nights, and the simple joys of life all contribute to Christine’s appreciation for the richness of family and community bonds.

Joey Peppersack

Economic Development Specialist

Joey swam his way to the Stafford-Fredericksburg region to compete on the University of Mary Washington varsity swim team, and eventually represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. His next goal is to bring fresh new perspectives to Stafford County Economic Development through his experiences both at the Fairfax City EDA and the UMW Center for Economic Development. He contributes to the team by assisting with the development and management of the economic development projects and programs, performs technical work to assist with the management and development of processes, and researching key data points to provide meaningful presentations.

Joey earned his Bachelors of Science in Economics from the University of Mary Washington and enjoys collecting and playing guitars in his free time.