Silas & Ward Financial Group

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

Fred began his financial services career in 1994, winning American Family Insurance performance awards and becoming a top-performing financial advisor with MetLife Securities. Today, Fred offers strategies to help his clients prepare for retirement and leave a meaningful legacy. He also serves as an educator with the American Retirement Institute. One of Fred’s most inspiring business experiences was being a partner in The Versia Group, which he and his deceased partner and fraternity brother of Omega Psi Phi Inc., Galen Kimbrue, owned. Fred served as a board member of several non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity, the Retired Military Officer’s Association, BUILD/Washington, D.C., Mid-Tier Advocacy, and the Transition Zone.


Fred Griffin is a retirement income and defined benefit pension professional who holds the Federal Retirement Consultant Designation. This designation is awarded by the Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates, LLC (FFEBA), an organization dedicated to educating and certifying professionals who assist federal employees with their retirement planning. The Federal Retirement Consultantâ„  designation is given to professionals who have proven their competence and knowledge in federal employee retirement systems and related benefits.


To obtain and maintain the FRCâ„  certification, individuals must demonstrate a commitment to high standards, continuing education, professional ethics, and trust. This certification sets FRCâ„  holders apart from other practitioners working with federal employees, showcasing their expertise and dedication to serving the retirement needs of federal employees.



His hobbies include gardening, karate, and yoga.

JoAnn Griffin

Co-Founder & President

JoAnn’s expertise as former Director of Operations at United Airlines, Director of HR at P/Strada, and former catering business owner is utilized by making sure the company is run as efficiently as possible. JoAnn has a global view of the world, being the daughter of Willie Pandy, an Army medal recipient and veteran. By seeing life globally, she knows that people from all walks of life want to be financially free.


In the same way that she has advocated for employee rights in corporate America, she advocates for economic empowerment. JoAnn’s concern for human rights is displayed through her leadership role in managing the food donations to a local food bank for the Arlington South Glebe community garden, as well as her experience managing non-profit relations for United and her current presence as a board member for Transition Zone. JoAnn is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.


Her hobbies are gardening, cooking, hiking, and pilates.

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