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Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members

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By Veronica Gutierrez 

Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation is proud to announce the addition of three outstanding individuals to our Board of Directors: Amy Stanford, Kevin Powell, and Joe DiStefano. Each brings a wealth of experience, passion for service, and a deep commitment to making a difference in Fredericksburg and across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Amy Stanford

A proud Fredericksburg resident since 2012, Amy Stanford is a private personal trainer with over 20 years of experience. Passionate about health and wellness, Amy previously served on the YMCA Massad Board of Directors, where she demonstrated her dedication to community development. 

Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in exercise science & health studies from Miami University. Her expertise in fitness and love for her community will undoubtedly be invaluable to The Foundation.

Kevin Powell

Kevin Powell is the owner of ACEs Blue Business Consulting; a business dedicated to empowering business owners and leaders to optimize organizational performance and reignite their passions.

Kevin is an alumnus of the University of Mary Washington, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, as well as a master’s degree in business and management information systems.

A seasoned leader with a heart for service, Kevin also served as the treasurer of the Stafford Rotary Club from 2004-2007. His business acumen and strategic insight will help advance The Foundation’s mission.

 Joe DiStefano

Joe DiStefano is the President of REDCO, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting economic development and supporting small businesses throughout Virginia. With over 30 years of professional leadership and commercial banking, Joe brings immense financial expertise to our Board.

An Army veteran with 10 years of service on both the active duty and in the reserve, Joe also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from George Mason University and is a graduate of the Virginia Bankers Association of Bank Management and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Fredericksburg program.  

Joe’s leadership and financial expertise will be instrumental in advancing our mission.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to collaborate with Amy, Kevin, and Joe to further our mission of creating heart-safe communities through Hands-Only CPR & AED training, equipping communities with lifesaving devices, and raising awareness about sudden cardiac arrest. Each of their unique perspectives and dedication to service will without doubt enhance our impact in 2025 and beyond.  

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Shannon Frick

Program Manager

Shannon is the Program Manager at Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, where she oversees all programs, including CPR & AED training, the AED program, the Scholarship program, and the volunteer program. Coming from a military family, Shannon has traveled the world but calls Northern Virginia her home after more than 20 years in the area.

She graduated from Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, with a degree in English and later earned an associate’s degree in emergency medical science from Northern Virginia Community College to pursue a career as a first responder. Shannon served as a professional Paramedic/Firefighter for 13 years with the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. During her tenure, she spent over half of her career in the training division.

Shannon’s extensive instructional experience provides her with a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies and practices, making her an invaluable asset in delivering successful CPR & AED training to all groups of all ages. Her role at Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation aligns perfectly with her background, as she works to equipe community members with the skills and confidence to perform Hands-Only CPR and use AEDs, ultimately saving lives.

When she is not instructing, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors. She may be out snowboarding, paddleboarding with her corgi, training her deaf pitbull sign language commands – or just running after both of them with her fiancé at the dog park.

Email: SFrick@gwynethsgift.org 

Joel Griffin

Chairman & Co-Founder

Joel Griffin is co-founder and chairman of Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation. Gwyneth’s Gift was founded in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of their oldest daughter, Gwyneth. He is also an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. He is the Founder and CEO of Riphean, a regional growth management firm.

Joel is committed to philanthropy within the region through local nonprofits and organizations that strengthen local communities. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Hospital Foundation, and Germanna Educational Foundation. Joel was recognized for his impact and leadership within the region, receiving the Prince B. Woodward Leadership Award in 2022.

In addition to the regional award, Joel received the Valor Award from Loudon County for his life-saving efforts in an emergency. He also received the Patriotic Civilian Service Award given by the U.S. Army for actions taken immediately and following 9/11 at The Pentagon in 2001.