Richard H. Bradley is Executive Director of the DowntownDC BID, a position held since the organization’s inception in 1997. He guides a $10 million annual budget which funds a multi-faceted program of special services and catalytic planning to make remarkable things happen in DC’s first and largest BID. His leadership has transformed the city’s urban core from dull, dirty and dangerous into a bustling, 24/7 environment anchored by new housing, retail, cinemas, theaters, destination restaurants, private and public museums and a thriving commercial district with more than 60 million SF of commercial space.

Rich has engaged in community building for more than 40 years. His work in DC began as president of the International Downtown Association, where he advocated for vital and livable urban centers worldwide. He has served as executive director of the Downtown Hartford Council and was appointed deputy commissioner of Public Transportation for Connecticut by Governor Ella Grasso.

In addition, Rich has served as executive director of the Greater Bridgeport Transportation District and the Westport Transit District in Westport, Connecticut, where he also worked as the Selectmen’s Committee for Youth and Human Resources coordinator and began his career as an English teacher.

He has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education from Cornell University. In December 2009, he and spouse Ellen McCarthy were joint recipients of the Partners for Livable Communities’ Entrepreneurial Leadership Award for their combined role in advancing a “renaissance” in Downtown DC using progressive urban planning techniques. Rich resides in DC and has two children.