Joel Griffin, Rockhill District

Joel Griffin is a Marine Veteran and successful business leader with 25-years of private industry consulting experience and 20-years in government contracting. Griffin has been an EDA member since 2009, serving as the Chairman since 2015 with a commitment to supporting economic growth and wellbeing of the region. Chairman Griffin co-founded the Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and education of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). He is also the owner of JG Financial Group, an investment portfolio company for new ventures in private equity/venture capital and in the hospitality industry.

Donald Newlin, George Washington District

Donald Newlin has served on the Economic Development Authority since 1976 and has called Stafford home since 1969. Newlin is a financial advisor with over 50 years in the brokerage business. He has a history of community involvement serving on various boards for Mary Washington Healthcare, The Salvation Army, Rappahannock Valley Football, and a founding member of the Rappahannock YMCA. Newlin continues to serve on the EDA with special interest in effective economic growth to lessen the tax burden on Stafford residents and homeowners. 

Howard Owen, Falmouth District

Howard Owen has been a member of the Stafford County community since 1987 when he located to Falmouth and started his own business, Stafford Printing. Board Member Owen has been the Falmouth representative on the EDA for since 2017 and currently serves as treasurer. His goal on the EDA is to promote economic development and takes into consideration the needs and wants of county residents. Board Member Owen, 1978 graduate of Emory & Henry College in Southwest Virginia, is also a member of the Stafford Hospital Foundation and active in an HP global digital printing cooperative. Howard is married and a proud father! The family enjoys vacationing at Cape Cod and visiting Yellowstone National Park. He’s also an avid Alabama football fan.

Danielle Davis, Aquia District

Board member Davis has resided in Stafford for over 25 years, and has served as an EDA member since 2018. Danielle is the owner and founder of a business consulting firm with a prior career as a Senior Financial Analyst. She serves as an EDA member to support the development of Stafford’s identity while maintaining a healthy balance between residential and business growth. Danielle is an active business community leader serving on local and state boards, including eight years on a Governors Citizens Advisory Board for DPOR, and served on the Stafford County Telecommunications Commission for eight years one of which as the chair. Danielle is a proud military wife and mother to four boys, and is an avid writer and blogger.

Heather Hagerman, Garrisonville District

Heather Hagerman is a local real estate broker with 20+ years of knowledge and experience in commercial property and development. Board Member Hagerman has served on the EDA since 2016 with special interest in supporting Stafford business growth through new business development and business relocation to the region.  Ms. Hagerman is a local activist and supporter serving on boards and as a member of the following: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Fredericksburg, the SPCA and Truist.

Marlon Wilson, Griffis-Widewater District

Board Member Wilson is a business executive in the technology industry at a Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned Information Technology firm. With over 25 years of experience in program management, government contracting, and business acquisitions and development, this United States Army Veteran also serves as a local Minister. Wilson has served on the EDA since 2020 with interest in making smart and innovative decisions for the future economic development for Stafford while maintaining a family-oriented environment.

Jack Rowley, Hartwood District

Board member since 2001, Jack is a local philanthropist with involvement in real estate development management. Jack serves on a number of local boards and organizations including the Vice Chair for the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees, and the President of Germanna Community College Real Estate Foundation. He has served as a Rappahannock United Way Director for 18 years, past Director for Rappahannock Community Services Board, and is active with the Fredericksburg Host Lions Club.  He has a J.D. degree from the University of Baltimore with decades of executive leadership experience in the paper industry. Jack serves on the EDA with special interest in business development and growing the Stafford County economy.  He enjoys spending time with family and working with his classic car collection.