Earl Stafford Sr. built one of Fairfax County’s most successful Black-owned government contracting firms with a clear objective: create economic opportunity and use it to strengthen the community. As founder of Unitech, he led the company’s growth in the federal technology sector, establishing a reputation for disciplined management and long-term strategy.
In the latest “Connect with County Leaders” podcast, Stafford joins Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill for a conversation about entrepreneurship, faith-driven leadership and what it means to reinvest success back into the community. The episode is part of a Black History Month series highlighting regional leaders whose work reflects long-term vision, resilience and meaningful local change.
Building with Purpose
Born in Mount Holly, New Jersey, Stafford grew up one of 12 children in a working-class family led by a part-time minister and a mother who worked as a domestic. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam era, a decision that reshaped his trajectory. The military provided discipline and access to education, including a scholarship to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst and later earn an MBA.
In the earliest days of Unitech, he put his home up as collateral to secure financing. The company grew quickly, securing federal contracts, including work connected to NASA’s Hubble program. When technical setbacks triggered widespread contract terminations, Unitech’s workforce shrank almost overnight. Stafford rebuilt, stabilized operations and ultimately sold the company to Lockheed Martin before turning to private equity and philanthropy.
“[Lockheed Martin] knew was interested in selling, and made me an offer I couldn't refuse,” Stafford said. “And then I decided what I wanted to do after that in business. Somehow this private equity thing struck me. … That’s one of the great things about this country. There are so many opportunities that allow one to pursue. I don’t know if I’d been able to do the things that I’ve been blessed to do not living here in the United States.”
Historic Inaugural Luncheon
Stafford’s national profile expanded in 2009 when he hosted the largest inaugural luncheon honoring Barack Obama following the president’s swearing-in. He initially envisioned something small that reflected his faith and commitment to service. He planned to book a hotel suite along the parade route and invite someone experiencing homelessness to share in the celebration.
That plan changed in October. What began as a private gesture evolved into a large-scale effort to host thousands of guests, including underserved families, wounded veterans and survivors of domestic violence.
Stafford was later appointed by President Obama to serve on the Board of Governors for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“Then I got a phone call asking if I would be willing to serve on the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars,” he said. “I came away with more than I ever contributed there. Because I became aware of what the issues are—politically, non-politically, socially, economically, globally—and the work that needs to be done.”
Service Beyond Business
For Stafford, Black History Month is a call to action for leadership and representation.
“We should celebrate Black history every month, every year, every day of the year. And that’s important,” said Stafford, who served on the council at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. “I had always studied history and ancestry, but there are many things that have been not included in history books that I wish that I had known years earlier.”
Stafford uses this awareness to shape his leadership philosophy. By recognizing the overlooked achievements of African Americans, he seeks to inspire the next generation to understand the depth of their heritage while taking active roles in shaping the future.
“I was raised to build,” he said. “One of the things that he instilled in me is that we as a company, even as an individual, have a social responsibility. We have a responsibility to the community and the environment in which we thrive in. And we have to be collaborative, working with government and other agencies, to ensure that the community that we profit in, that we prosper in, that we also give back to.”
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is an opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County. For the month of February, the podcast is focused each week on a different leader whose story honors Black History Month.
Listen or watch past episodes of “Connect with County Leaders” on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. Listen to other Fairfax County podcasts or additional audio content at Fairfax County Government Radio.
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