Joel Griffin

Joel Griffin founded Riphean Group in 2020. Under his leadership, Riphean has flourished, establishing and growing its subsidiaries while diversifying its investment portfolio across various industries. Joel’s strategic investments and angel support for primarily veteran-owned small businesses aim to cultivate a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Fredericksburg region.

Joel is committed to philanthropy through local nonprofits and organizations that align with Riphean’s mission and contribute to the strengthening of communities. One of his significant philanthropic endeavors is through Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2015 by Joel and Jennifer Griffin in honor of their eldest daughter, Gwyneth. As the Chairman of Gwyneth’s Gift, Joel drives the foundation’s mission of raising awareness and education about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). With a focus on saving lives and promoting cardiac health, Gwyneth’s Gift serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment within the community.

Prior to founding Riphean, Joel architected the highly successful sale of Dependable Global Solutions, a cybersecurity company he co-founded in 2011, to Arlington Capital — becoming Centauri and now KBR. Joel has also previously served as Senior Managing Director for The McLean Group and worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, Unisys and Lockheed Martin, supporting DoD, DHS, Law Enforcement and the Intelligence community.

Joel has been recognized for his impact and leadership within the region, receiving the Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award in 2022 and the Joe Dangler Leadership Award in 2015 from the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. He also received the Entrepreneur of the Year with the Stafford EDA in 2012 and 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 also serves on the Stafford Economic Development Authority as Chairman and on the Board of Directors for The Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stafford Hospital Foundation, Germanna Educational Foundation, Cyber Security Advisory Board for the Virginia Community College System, GO Virginia, and as part of the FAMPO Citizen Transportation Advisory Committee.