Stafford County’s Economic Development Band

We are a “Band.” A “Team” denotes a group working together in a common competition against others, our Band works together and with others to make great music for Stafford, your business, and our entire surrounding area and region.

Any one of us may be the lead singer from time to time, but everyone in our Band plays multiple instruments in their own area of expertise. Together we make great music.

Welcome to Stafford. Meet the smart and the curious:

John P. Holden

Director of Economic Development and Tourism

For over 25 years, John navigated Maine tourism, community and economic development, and international business development. In 2018, he brought his knack for consensus building, entrepreneurship, and a bad golf swing to the Mid-Atlantic. Whether he’s stirring up new initiatives in Stafford or a recipe in the kitchen, John is passionate about creativity and innovation and seeks results.

John holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in regional economics from the University of Maine.

Lisa Logan, CGMP

Assistant Director of Economic Development and Tourism

Community engager extraordinaire, Lisa put her talents for event planning, marketing, and outreach to work for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in 2016. Seventeen years in events and fundraising equipped Lisa with the expertise for tourism development. Passion for local, regional, and state tourism comes naturally to this Virginia native. When she’s not touting Stafford’s tourism assets, Lisa dines out and watches flicks in the company of friends and family.

Lisa holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Penn Foster College. She is a Certified Government Meeting Planner. Lisa is proud that Stafford County received the Convention South Media Group’s Magazine Readers Choice Award for Marketing four years in a row.

Rick Cobert, CEcD

Economic Development Manager

As an entrepreneur-turned-business development ace, Rick is the man with the right plan. From attracting Fortune 500 companies to launching start-ups, Rick’s successes in Baltimore County Economic Development and Stafford County yield far-reaching results.

Rick is a published industry author and a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD).

Courtney Swenson

Marketing Manager

This marketing maven champions economic development and tourism for Stafford County. Devoted to syntax and strategy, Courtney crosses every “t” to keep Stafford’s messaging on point. Since 2016, she has showcased the Stafford Advantage with passion. Whether she’s spearheading a marketing campaign or debating serial commas, Courtney positions Stafford as “the” place to work, live, play, and prosper. In her down time, she travels and hikes, husband and pooch in tow.

The Virginian holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Mary Washington. She’s pursuing a master’s degree in integrated marketing and communications from Georgetown University.

Josh Summits

Business Development Officer

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).

Dale Hendon

Specialist

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

Marketing & Events Professional, EDA

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.

Tammy Guseman

Sr. Administrative Assistant

An expert at collating (and calming) chaos, Tammy has spent over 32 years in administration. Since 2020, she’s been a front-line resource for colleagues, entrepreneurs, and visitors seeking tourism information.

The Delaware native keeps the wheels turning at the office, and she does so in her spare time, too. A cyclist and explorer, she relishes any opportunity to explore Fredericksburg with her family.

Brittany Loving

Tourism Specialist

It feels good to leave home, but it feels even better to come back. Born and bred in Stafford, Brittany returned to the place where it all began. As a local in the know, Brittany celebrates Stafford’s hidden gems and hot spots on a variety of marketing platforms. In her capacity as tourism associate, Brittany plans social media outreach and tourism servicing.

Before making her mark on Stafford tourism, Brittany provided marketing and administrative support for Stafford County Public Schools. Previously, Brittany was a communication consultant at the James Madison University (JMU) Communication Center.  In this role, she provided students, faculty, and staff with proven tactics for oral presentations.

While Brittany returned to her roots, she still loves to roam. When road trips, concerts, and ski adventures call, she always listens.    Brittany received a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from JMU, along with a concentration in public relations and a minor in non-profit studies. Her range of talents (and insider tourism hacks) bring perspective to every project.

Erika Ortner

Marketing Specialist

Erika Ortner refers to herself as a Stafford All-Star. Born and raised in North Stafford, she loves her hometown and is excited to play a part of a department that helps foster community economic development. One of Erika’s strong suits is content development and she will work extensively on copy writing and supporting the department’s marketing efforts. She is excited to head up the newsletter and email campaigns as well as provide copy for blog posts and stories. Erika is a wizard with words and is thrilled to add value and support Stafford’s Economic Development and Tourism messaging.

Erika received her bachelors in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations in 2019 and her masters in Strategic Communications in 2021 from George Mason University. She is community-focused and altruistic in nature with her various volunteer work in the community. She got her start in theatre at a young age and loves being in front of people. As she is happiest in front of a crowd and with people, in her free time, you can find Erika welcoming first time guests to her church or singing on-stage.

Contact Stafford County's Economic Development Band