Earl W. Stafford
Encyclopedia
Earl W. Stafford, Sr. is an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. Stafford is best known for "The People’s Inaugural Project," which brought more than 300 disadvantaged and underserved individuals to Washington D.C. for a three-day, deluxe celebration of President Barack Obama’s inauguration
. Stafford is the founder of The Stafford Foundation
and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
in 2010. He is the chief executive officer of The Wentworth Group, LLC, a consulting firm headquartered in Reston, Virginia
.
and an MBA from Southern Illinois University
. He is a graduate of the OPM Executive Program at Harvard Business School
.
Before entering the corporate world, Stafford had a 20-year distinguished career in the U.S. military that included service as the assistant Air Force Liaison Officer to the Federal Aviation Administration
. In that capacity, he was responsible for ensuring that Department of Defense
initiatives and programs were integrated into the FAA’s National Airspace System
modernization effort. Stafford retired from the Air Force
in 1987.
In 1988, Stafford founded Unitech
, makers of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
s, and served until 2009 as the chairman and chief executive officer
. UNITECH was an award-winning training and simulation
technology solutions company, headquartered in Northern Virginia. UNITECH served a wide range of federal and commercial customers with professional services
and solutions. Through integrated teams, flexible methodologies, and precise implementations, the company assured customers’ success in three core areas: sustaining operations, aviation solutions, and training and simulation.
Stafford currently serves on the Boards of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
, Drexel University
, Wesley Theological Seminary, Venture Philanthropy Partners, and Business Executives for National Security
.
(TSF), Inc., based in Reston, VA. The foundation’s work is based on the precepts of Jesus
and aims to bring about a world in our lifetime in which all people have the opportunity to become self-reliant and live in dignity.
TSF collaborates with and invests in capacity-building efforts that equip the underserved through programs that provide health, education, training, and faith-based mission support. Since the Foundation began its grantmaking program it has committed more than $1 million in funding to viable nonprofits that focus on education and training, health and wellness, and mission-based support. The Foundation remained relatively unknown until January 2009, when it became internationally renowned for its People’s Inaugural Project.
More than 2,000 individuals attended in total, including representatives from more than 40 nonprofit groups that help people in need, such as wounded veterans, homeless individuals, and severely disabled adults become self-sufficient. The 300 disadvantaged guests were lodged in rooms at the JW Marriott
and participated in several events over the course of three days, including a 1,000-person Prayer Breakfast, a 1,000-person Martin Luther King Luncheon with a keynote speech by Martin Luther King III
, a viewing of the inaugural parade from the JW Marriot 12th floor terrace, and a main inaugural ball. TSF is continuing to partner with these organizations as part of building a community of doing good for those in need.
, focused on "Doing Good".
The People’s Project encompasses initiatives through grants that support programs with viable nonprofits groups aligned with TSF’s mission. Since the fall of 2009, TSF has supported the work of 30 organizations with grants totaling more than $1 million.
In January 2010, The Stafford Foundation (TSF) launched a national movement to motivate people to help others in need by Doing Good. Comedian and educator Bill Cosby stood alongside Earl W. Stafford, TSF chairman and CEO, to announce the launch of the Doing Good (TM) campaign. Stafford and Dr. Cosby unveiled a national public service announcement featuring Dr. Cosby promoting the initiative. The Doing Good campaign is based on a simple principle: to help those in need become self-reliant so that they will in turn be inspired to help others. The effort focuses on ways to help people with job-training, health and wellness, and mission-based support. The campaign will result in bringing support and services to people in need to help them become self-sufficient and live in dignity. The impact ranges from supporting women's homeless shelters that also provide job training to helping low-income families have healthy diets.
TSF recognizes that many people want to do good, but simply don't know how. The People's Project emphasizes initiatives that serve to combat this impediment to doing good. It is TSF's goal to help others learn how to help themselves, so that one day they may be capable of helping someone else in need.
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
announced on January 13, 2010 that Earl W. Stafford, chairman and chief executive officer of The Stafford Foundation, Inc., will receive the 2010 Horatio Alger Award in recognition of his personal and professional success despite humble and challenging beginnings. Stafford was formally inducted into the association on April 9, 2010, in Washington, D.C. at the Awards Induction Ceremony at Constitution Hall.
of Greater New York honored Stafford with its first "Stand Together" Award during its 62nd Annual Luncheon. Kathie Lee Gifford hosted the event, which also honored New York Yankees pitcher, Andy Pettitte; longtime Salvation Army of Greater New York advisory board member, Theodore J. Carlson (posthumously); and humanitarian, Malaak Compton-Rock.
presented the award in recognition of Stafford’s professional achievements and career contributions to making a positive impact in his community and throughout the country.
and Senators Ophelia Ford
, Beverly Marrero
and Jim Kyle:
for more than 40 years. Stafford began his entrepreneurial career at age 8 by selling hot dogs and mowing lawns.
Mr. Stafford is married to the former Amanda Boardley, with whom he currently resides in McLean, Virginia
. They have three children.
Inauguration of Barack Obama
The inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. The inauguration, which set a record attendance for any event held in Washington, D.C., marked the commencement of the four-year term of Barack Obama as President and Joe...
. Stafford is the founder of The Stafford Foundation
The Stafford Foundation
The Stafford Foundation is a non-profit organization which "furthers the cause of Jesus Christ by investing in education and training to empower the underserved to do good." The foundation collaborates with and invests in capacity-building efforts that equip the underserved through programs that...
and was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, that was founded in 1947 to honor the achievements of outstanding Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity and to emphasize the importance of higher education...
in 2010. He is the chief executive officer of The Wentworth Group, LLC, a consulting firm headquartered in Reston, Virginia
Reston, Virginia
Reston is a census-designated place in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States, within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The population was 58,404, at the 2010 Census and 56,407 at the 2000 census...
.
Education and career
Stafford was raised in Mount Holly Township and has lived in a house a block away from where he grew up. He received a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of MassachusettsUniversity of Massachusetts
This article relates to the statewide university system. For the flagship campus often referred to as "UMass", see University of Massachusetts Amherst...
and an MBA from Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University is a state university system based in Carbondale, Illinois, in the Southern Illinois region of the state, with multiple campuses...
. He is a graduate of the OPM Executive Program at Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School
Harvard Business School is the graduate business school of Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and is widely recognized as one of the top business schools in the world. The school offers the world's largest full-time MBA program, doctoral programs, and many executive...
.
Before entering the corporate world, Stafford had a 20-year distinguished career in the U.S. military that included service as the assistant Air Force Liaison Officer to the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
. In that capacity, he was responsible for ensuring that Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
initiatives and programs were integrated into the FAA’s National Airspace System
National Airspace System
The National Airspace System of the United States is one of the most complex aviation systems in the world — consisting of thousands of people, procedures, facilities, and pieces of equipment — that enables safe and expeditious air travel in the United States and over large portions of the world's...
modernization effort. Stafford retired from the Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
in 1987.
In 1988, Stafford founded Unitech
Unitech
Unitech may refer to:*Unitech Group, real estate developer based in Delhi, India*Papua New Guinea University of Technology*UNITECH International Society*2006 Unitech Cup*Infogix, Inc. formerly known as Unitech Systems, Inc....
, makers of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
The Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System or MILES is used by the US military and other armed forces around the world for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle....
s, and served until 2009 as the chairman and chief executive officer
Chief executive officer
A chief executive officer , managing director , Executive Director for non-profit organizations, or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer or administrator in charge of total management of an organization...
. UNITECH was an award-winning training and simulation
Simulation
Simulation is the imitation of some real thing available, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system....
technology solutions company, headquartered in Northern Virginia. UNITECH served a wide range of federal and commercial customers with professional services
Professional services
Professional services is an industry of infrequent, technical, or unique functions performed by independent contractors or by consultants whose occupation is the rendering of such services....
and solutions. Through integrated teams, flexible methodologies, and precise implementations, the company assured customers’ success in three core areas: sustaining operations, aviation solutions, and training and simulation.
Stafford currently serves on the Boards of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies , headquartered in Washington, DC in the United States, is a national, nonprofit research and public policy institution or think tank...
, Drexel University
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university with the main campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. It was founded in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel, a noted financier and philanthropist. Drexel offers 70 full-time undergraduate programs and accelerated degrees...
, Wesley Theological Seminary, Venture Philanthropy Partners, and Business Executives for National Security
Business Executives for National Security
Business Executives for National Security is an American 501 non-profit organization. It was founded in 1982 by former mining executive Stanley A...
.
Philanthropy
Stafford has made major philanthropic contributions in the form of investing in the underprivileged.The Stafford Foundation
In 2002 Stafford founded the faith-based nonprofit organization, The Stafford FoundationThe Stafford Foundation
The Stafford Foundation is a non-profit organization which "furthers the cause of Jesus Christ by investing in education and training to empower the underserved to do good." The foundation collaborates with and invests in capacity-building efforts that equip the underserved through programs that...
(TSF), Inc., based in Reston, VA. The foundation’s work is based on the precepts of Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
and aims to bring about a world in our lifetime in which all people have the opportunity to become self-reliant and live in dignity.
TSF collaborates with and invests in capacity-building efforts that equip the underserved through programs that provide health, education, training, and faith-based mission support. Since the Foundation began its grantmaking program it has committed more than $1 million in funding to viable nonprofits that focus on education and training, health and wellness, and mission-based support. The Foundation remained relatively unknown until January 2009, when it became internationally renowned for its People’s Inaugural Project.
The People’s Inaugural Project
In March 2008, Mr. Stafford conceived the idea of an unprecedented event to bring disadvantaged people from all walks of life to Washington, D.C. to be part of the 2009 presidential inaugural celebration. The idea manifested into the People's Inaugural Project, which, in January of 2009, brought more than 400 disadvantaged people to the inauguration of President Obama.More than 2,000 individuals attended in total, including representatives from more than 40 nonprofit groups that help people in need, such as wounded veterans, homeless individuals, and severely disabled adults become self-sufficient. The 300 disadvantaged guests were lodged in rooms at the JW Marriott
JW Marriott Hotels
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, namesake of John Willard Marriott, Founder, Chairman & CEO of is a luxury hotel chain. Found in major cities as well as vacation destinations world-wide, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts are becoming known in the hospitality industry for their practical approach to luxury...
and participated in several events over the course of three days, including a 1,000-person Prayer Breakfast, a 1,000-person Martin Luther King Luncheon with a keynote speech by Martin Luther King III
Martin Luther King III
Martin Luther King III is an American human rights advocate and community activist. He is the eldest son and oldest living child of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. His siblings are Dexter Scott King, Rev. Bernice Albertine King, and the late Yolanda Denise...
, a viewing of the inaugural parade from the JW Marriot 12th floor terrace, and a main inaugural ball. TSF is continuing to partner with these organizations as part of building a community of doing good for those in need.
The People’s Project and the Doing Good (TM) Campaign
Since the People's Inaugural Project, The Stafford Foundation has continued its investment in underserved people through continued outreach. The Peoples' Project 2010 national initiative, launched with the assistance of friend and supporter Bill CosbyBill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
, focused on "Doing Good".
The People’s Project encompasses initiatives through grants that support programs with viable nonprofits groups aligned with TSF’s mission. Since the fall of 2009, TSF has supported the work of 30 organizations with grants totaling more than $1 million.
In January 2010, The Stafford Foundation (TSF) launched a national movement to motivate people to help others in need by Doing Good. Comedian and educator Bill Cosby stood alongside Earl W. Stafford, TSF chairman and CEO, to announce the launch of the Doing Good (TM) campaign. Stafford and Dr. Cosby unveiled a national public service announcement featuring Dr. Cosby promoting the initiative. The Doing Good campaign is based on a simple principle: to help those in need become self-reliant so that they will in turn be inspired to help others. The effort focuses on ways to help people with job-training, health and wellness, and mission-based support. The campaign will result in bringing support and services to people in need to help them become self-sufficient and live in dignity. The impact ranges from supporting women's homeless shelters that also provide job training to helping low-income families have healthy diets.
TSF recognizes that many people want to do good, but simply don't know how. The People's Project emphasizes initiatives that serve to combat this impediment to doing good. It is TSF's goal to help others learn how to help themselves, so that one day they may be capable of helping someone else in need.
2010 Horatio Algers Achievement Award
"The Stafford Foundation Chairman and CEO to be Inducted April 2010 in Washington, D.C. for Overcoming Adversity"The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is a nonprofit organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, that was founded in 1947 to honor the achievements of outstanding Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity and to emphasize the importance of higher education...
announced on January 13, 2010 that Earl W. Stafford, chairman and chief executive officer of The Stafford Foundation, Inc., will receive the 2010 Horatio Alger Award in recognition of his personal and professional success despite humble and challenging beginnings. Stafford was formally inducted into the association on April 9, 2010, in Washington, D.C. at the Awards Induction Ceremony at Constitution Hall.
Outstanding Philanthropist Award at National Capital Philanthropy Day Celebration
The Washington DC Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP/DC) honored Stafford with the Outstanding Philanthropist Award during its National Capital Philanthropy Day celebration on Friday, November 20, 2009. Stafford was nominated by the Venture Philanthropy Partners and was recognized for his contributions to making a positive impact in his community and throughout the country."Stand Together" Award from Salvation Army of Greater New York
The Salvation ArmySalvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
of Greater New York honored Stafford with its first "Stand Together" Award during its 62nd Annual Luncheon. Kathie Lee Gifford hosted the event, which also honored New York Yankees pitcher, Andy Pettitte; longtime Salvation Army of Greater New York advisory board member, Theodore J. Carlson (posthumously); and humanitarian, Malaak Compton-Rock.
Lifetime Achievement Award from N’Digo Foundation
The N’Digo Foundation honored Stafford with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual black-tie gala, held at Chicago’s new UIC Forum on June 20, 2009. The Reverend Jesse JacksonJesse Jackson
Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. is an African-American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988 and served as shadow senator for the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1997. He was the founder of both entities that merged to...
presented the award in recognition of Stafford’s professional achievements and career contributions to making a positive impact in his community and throughout the country.
Tennessee Legislature Honors The Stafford Foundation
Tennessee’s State Legislature recognized both Mr. Stafford and The Stafford Foundation with a joint resolution honoring both for sponsoring the unprecedented People’s Inaugural Project in January 2009. From Joint Resolution No. 58, sponsored by Representatives Karen D. Camper, Barbara Cooper and Joanne FavorsJoanne Favors
JoAnne Favors is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 29th district, which is composed of part of Hamilton County. She has served as a state representative since she was first elected in November 2004...
and Senators Ophelia Ford
Ophelia Ford
Ophelia Ford is a member of the Tennessee Senate. She is the younger sister of former state senator John Ford and former Congressman Harold Ford, Sr., and the aunt of former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr...
, Beverly Marrero
Beverly Marrero
Beverly Marrero is an American politician and a Democratic member of the Tennessee Senate District 30, which is a part of Shelby County. She was first elected to the 103rd General Assembly in the House by-election after Rep...
and Jim Kyle:
"Earl W. Stafford and The Stafford Foundation have demonstrated a firm commitment to the principle of democratic inclusion, the idea that men and women from all walks of life should not only be tolerated but encouraged to participate in the civic life of the United States of America."
Personal
Earl W. Stafford is the ninth of 12 children of his parents Mabel (née Willis) and Robert E. Stafford. His father was a part-time assistant minister at a church he helped found, the Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly, NJ, and also worked full time as a laborer at the Campbell Soup CompanyCampbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company , also known as Campbell's, is an American producer of canned soups and related products. Campbell's products are sold in 120 countries around the world. It is headquartered in Camden, New Jersey...
for more than 40 years. Stafford began his entrepreneurial career at age 8 by selling hot dogs and mowing lawns.
Mr. Stafford is married to the former Amanda Boardley, with whom he currently resides in McLean, Virginia
McLean, Virginia
McLean is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Fairfax County in Northern Virginia. The community had a total population of 48,115 as of the 2010 census....
. They have three children.
See also
- Horatio Alger Association Press Release
- PBS.org - The Tavis Smiley Show -- Earl W. Stafford believes in giving back—in a big way.
- USA Today -- Businessman throws an inaugrual party with a heart
- Lockheed Martin Agrees to Acquire Universal Systems & Technology, Inc.
- Bill Cosby and The Stafford Foundation Shine Spotlight on 'Doing Good' - PRNewswire, January 20, 2010
- Earl W. Stafford - The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies
- "The Benefactor of the Ball” Washington Post, December 4, 2008
- Stafford Foundation Unveils List of Organizations Participating in the People's Inaugural Project -- PRNewswire, January 14, 2009
- Philanthropist Earl Stafford to launch online effort encouraging volunteerism -- Washington Post, January 20, 2010
- AUSA Sustaining Member Profile: UNITECH, Army magazine, December 1, 2005