Your Success is Our Success

When Frederick was a child, he heard stories about his great-grandfather, Silas Griffin, and how he fought in the Civil War. In 1864, he joined the 55th regiment of the United States Colored Infantry. It made his family proud for Silas to be a soldier during that time, fighting to end slavery and winning recognition at the African American Civil War Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. His son, Ward, Frederick’s grandfather, often told stories about how to be independent. He once said, “It’s better to own a popcorn stand than to work for any man.” His encouragement and principles carried through Edward Griffin, Frederick’s father, who, along with JoAnn Griffin’s father, served as paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne. Financial independence and living with dignity were values well-impressed upon Frederick and JoAnn.

Silas & Ward Financial Group bears their names because we believe that each of our clients should have financial literacy, the power to make their own decisions, the ability to live a full life, and the chance to pass on their legacy to generations to come.

Rooted in Legacy and Family

Our Core Values

At Silas & Ward Financial Group, our core values form the foundation of our business and guide our everyday actions. We believe in:

• Integrity – Maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Client-Centric Approach – Prioritizing the best interest of the client above all else.
• Excellence – Striving for excellence in all that we do.
• Collaboration – Leveraging diverse talents and perspectives.
• Knowledge – Empowering our clients with knowledge and expertise.
• Long-Term Relationships – Establishing a dedicated partnership over time.
• Community Involvement – Giving back to our community.
  

Fred Griffin, FRC

Founder & CEO

Frederick Griffin has worked in the financial field since 1999, starting as a Financial Advisor with MetLife Securities. He has served on several boards and business advocacy groups and has spent nearly three decades guiding individuals toward clear financial futures. His expertise in retirement income and pension planning—especially for federal employees—means clients receive personalized strategies tailored to their unique needs. Formerly involved in initiatives like Habitat for Humanity, Retired Military Officers’ Association, Mid-Tier Advocacy, Frederick values reliability, integrity, and meaningful support.

JoAnn Griffin

Director of Operations

JoAnn’s extensive operational expertise is reflected in her professional and entrepreneurial journey. As a former Operating Manager at United Airlines, Director of Human Relations and Director of Business Development at the government contracting firm P/Strada, and Partner-Owner of the successful catering company Sweet Manna for several years, JoAnn has demonstrated a consistent ability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. Her entrepreneurial background, combined with her operational acumen, has been instrumental in driving organizational success.

Her skill set is especially valuable in the financial services sector, where operational efficiency is crucial. JoAnn’s ability to evaluate systems, implement process improvements, and manage cross-functional teams significantly enhances productivity and client service. She brings a unique perspective that blends strategic planning with day-to-day execution, helping financial service companies operate with greater precision and responsiveness.

Beyond her professional achievements, JoAnn is deeply rooted in her community. She is an active community gardener and leads initiatives to support her local food bank, managing food donations from the Arlington South Glebe community garden. Her commitment to community giving underscores her passion for making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

As the daughter of Willie Pandy, an Army medal recipient and veteran, JoAnn has a global perspective and an innate understanding of the importance of financial independence and empowerment for individuals from all walks of life. This perspective fuels her advocacy for economic empowerment and human rights, reflected in her leadership roles both professionally and in community service.

JoAnn’s commitment to service extends to her role as a board member for Transition Zone and her active membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her dedication to improving the lives of others is a hallmark of her leadership style.

In her leisure time, JoAnn enjoys gardening, cooking, hiking, and Pilates—activities that reflect her love for health, wellness, and creativity.

Kristopher Dunlap

Retirement and Group Benefits Specialist

Kristopher Dunlap is a Retirement and Group Benefits Specialist at Silas & Ward Financial Group, bringing over 30 years of experience to the firm. Originally from Washington, D.C. Kristopher has a deep background in health insurance, life and disability coverage, and voluntary benefits. Recently, he has expanded his expertise to encompass retirement income planning, providing personalized strategies that integrate employee benefits with long-term financial stability. His extensive knowledge and client-centered approach helps show his dedication for individuals and businesses alike.

Jasmine Parker

Client Engagement Coordinator

Jasmine Parker is a bold and creative community leader passionate about marketing, mentorship, and making a meaningful impact. A proud native of Kansas City, Jasmine graduated from Fisk University with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Marketing. She expertly blends strategy and storytelling to elevate brands and empower those around her.

Jasmine has a particular passion for social media, believing there is a story behind every post. She is committed to building a life where purpose meets power and helping others do the same.