Jeanene Harris On .... The Stafford Foundation

“With Lifelong Appreciation” — Jeanene 

“There is a wisdom of the head and a wisdom of the heart.” — Charles Dickens (literary genius and social critic)

American philanthropist and entrepreneur Earl Stafford Sr. is a true mentor, business executive, and leader. Mr. Stafford is the founder of The Stafford Foundation, as well as chief executive officer of The Wentworth Group, LLC, a consulting firm in Reston, Virginia. He is well-known for “The People’s Inaugural Project,” which brought more than 400 disadvantaged individuals to Washington, D.C., for a three-day celebration of President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2008.

Mr. Stafford taught me the value of giving back and serving the underprivileged. A longtime member of my church (Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia), he is patient, calm, and kind-natured. He has opened doors countless times over for other aspiring entrepreneurs and those less fortunate to pursue their lifelong dreams. Additionally, Mr. Stafford is a steadfast achiever with a tremendous intellect, and he gives from the heart. He 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 February 2015, President Obama appointed him to the board of trustees of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Mr. Stafford stands by the three principles of faith, family, and community.

In addition to a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Mr. Stafford has an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is also a graduate of the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School and holds several honorary doctoral degrees.

Earl Stafford Sr.: To you, I offer the gift of lifelong appreciation.

“The most truly generous persons are those who give silently without hope of praise or reward.” ― Carol Ryrie Brink

Philanthropy

• The Stafford Foundation
• The People’s Inaugural Project
• The People’s Project and the Doing Good™ Campaign

 Awards

• AFP DC 2009 Outstanding Philanthropist Award at the National Capital Philanthropy Day Celebration
• 2010 Horatio Alger Award
• Honored by the Tennessee Legislature (The Stafford Foundation)
• Lifetime Achievement Award from the N’DIGO Foundation
• “Stand Together” Award from The Salvation Army of Greater New York

For more information, visit thestaffordfoundation.org.