Joel Griffin

Joel Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor, and restauranteur with 25 years of private industry consulting experience and 20 years in government contracting. He is the Founder & CEO of Riphean, a growth management firm focusing on private equity and, venture capital, and hospitality. He is an angel investor in primarily veteran-owned small businesses. 

Within the region, Joel is committed to philanthropy through local nonprofits and organizations that strengthen local communities. Before beginning his career, Joel Griffin served in the United States Marine Corps from 1992 – 2000. Following active duty, Joel transitioned to civilian life as a government contractor. While working in his first civilian job at Lockheed Martin, supporting a contract at the Pentagon, he was awarded the Patriotic Civilian Service Award by the U.S. Army for actions taken immediately and following 9/11 at the Pentagon in 2001. 

Joel has been recognized for his impact and leadership within the region and has been actively involved in a large number of economic development, workforce development, educational and non-profit initiatives. Through his service as Chairman for Stafford County Economic Development Authority, Joel led grant initiatives to provide COVID-19 relief funding to locally owned or operated businesses in 2020, deploying over $1.2M.

Joel Griffin is a fervent supporter of people’s rights and their right to choose. As State Senator, he will ensure everybody in Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg is represented, and their rights remain Virginia law. He will stop at nothing to enshrine the right to choose in the Virginia constitution, especially as all Virginians are under attack from attacks from the supreme court.