Our Team

Hello, I am Gerren Price, President and CEO of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District. I bring over 15 years of experience leading and supporting large-scale youth, workforce, and education programs across both government and nonprofit sectors. I joined the DowntownDC BID in 2018 as Director of Public Space Operations. Before that, I served as Senior Associate for National Community Strategies at the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

My career began in youth development, managing a national mentoring program, which led me to several roles within the DC government. I started in the Office of the Chancellor at DC Public Schools, then served as Director of Programs at the Department of Parks and Recreation and as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education.

At the DC Department of Employment Services, I held multiple leadership roles, including Associate Director of the Office of Youth Programs, Deputy Director of Youth Workforce Development, Deputy Director of Business Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, and ultimately, Interim Director of the agency. Throughout my career, I’ve remained committed to creating opportunity, driving equity, and building programs that serve and uplift communities.

Rachel Rose Hartman is the Chief Strategy Officer for the DowntownDC BID and the founding Executive Director of the DowntownDC Foundation 501c3, which supports homeless services, parks and public spaces, and community events. Rachel joined the BID in 2014 after 10 years in political journalism, including working as White House Reporter for Yahoo News. Her favorite memory of DowntownDC is opening the renovated Franklin Park in September 2021 and some of her favorite spots in DowntownDC are the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Crimson Rooftop bar at Motto, and Nino’s Bakery.

I’m a seasoned HR and Operations leader with over 15 years of experience at companies like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Vietnam Veterans of America. I hold a BS in Psychology and an MA in Organization Development, and I’m a SHRM-SCP and Certified Corporate Trainer. I specialize in full-cycle HR, employee relations, performance management, and strategic planning—passionate about fostering growth, streamlining operations, and building strong, people-first organizations.

I'm Christian Romero, the BID’s Senior HR Manager with nearly five years at the organization and 13+ years in the field. I oversee HR operations, recruitment, benefits, safety, and compliance. Building our community has been my core value and some of my highlights would be moments with the SAM Ambassadors, volunteering at DDSC, and supporting internal initiatives that build a stronger, more inclusive workplace. Outside work, I enjoy events at Franklin Park, holiday-season hot chocolate at the Holiday Market, and coffee from Tatte.

Hi, I’m Tania "Nia" Miller, HR Generalist at the DowntownDC BID. I’ve been here almost 1 month, and my experience thus far has been nothing short of amazing! Since joining the team, my favorite moment would have to be being a part of the MBSYEP 2025 project. As a DC native I enjoy exploring the depths and history of my city, but my favorite place to be for fun is eating & shopping at CityCenterDC.

Hello, my name is Delores Dickens. I joined the BID in October 1997 as receptionist and assistant to the president. Before that, I worked with the International Downtown Association, the U.S. Information Agency’s books program, and Pax River Naval Air Station. With years of experience in administrative roles, I’ve built a career rooted in service, organization, and dedication to supporting teams and missions that make a difference.

Hi, I’m D'Mario Headen-Vance, IT Manager at the DowntownDC BID. I’ve been here 2 years, and the journey’s been so fun and dynamic! I love learning the pulse of Downtown DC, and my favorite food spot here is ZumoThai and I love visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Hello, Im Kenneth Dews, IT Helpdesk Technician at the DowntownDC BID. I’ve been at the BID since November 2023, and the journey’s been so fun and diverse! A major highlight was working at the holiday market and meeting so many people and vendors. I love learning the history and secrets of  Downtown DC—and my favorite place here is the National Mall, a historic landmark and a beautiful sight to see.

I’m Melanie Nwosu, Director of Events and Partnerships at the DowntownDC BID. I joined the team in September 2022 with over 20 years of experience producing events of all sizes—from intimate gatherings to large-scale international convenings. Before the BID, I held senior roles in corporate, nonprofit, and government spaces, most recently at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. I’m a proud Howard University grad and love building meaningful connections through impactful events.

Greetings! I am Valencia K. Long; I serve as the Event Manager for Signature and Social Impact events.  I have been with the organization since July 2021 – and my most memorable moment was the 2024 Holiday Season where I had the pleasure of booking over 50 local and regional artists to perform at the reimagined DowntownDC Holiday Market Main Stage – it was a lot of work but exceptionally rewarding.  My favorite spot in Downtown is Franklin Park – it is green, vibrant, and a wonderful place to connect with the local and touring community.

Hi, my name is Yue Han, Event & Partnership Associate. I started my BID journey in September 2023. Over the past two years, my happy place has been our event team, especially getting to be part of the amazing transformation of the DowntownDC Holiday Market! Working in downtown has given me a chance to learn the DC culture - Franklin Park is definitely my favorite spot!

I’m Gerry Widdicombe, Chief Financial Officer at the DowntownDC BID since November 2000. I’m passionate about making the case that a strong Downtown lifts all of DC—it’s not Downtown or the neighborhoods, it’s Downtown and the neighborhoods. Before joining the BID, I worked for the DC CFO, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, FDIC, RTC, and Goldman Sachs. I’m a proud graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. My favorite Downtown moments include concerts at Hamilton Live, games at Capital One Arena, grabbing a slice at Ella’s, and simply walking through the rush hour crowd, wondering what brings people Downtown.

I'm Lulu Liu. I joined DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) since 2005 as a Staff Accountant, now serving as a Controller. I'm passionate about working in a multicultural environment and take pride in the work of my team, which reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the city it serves. One of my most meaningful career moments was helping the BID support the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the organization released $1.1 million in grants to assist local restaurants and retail businesses. My favorite place in DC is Franklin Park, where I have witnessed its remarkable transformation over the years, making it the symbol of our city’s resilience and renewal.

Hello I am Innes Noel-Jeune. I'm a Senior Accountant with the BID and have been here since January 2019. I support strategic decision-making through accurate financial analysis and forecasting. With a strong understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), I play a key role in improving BID tax billing, promoting fiscal responsibility, and enhancing operational efficiency. I've lived in several countries, including France and Canada, which has given me a broad perspective and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Outside of work, I enjoy classical and jazz music and play the alto saxophone in my free time. I hold a master’s degree in business economics from Brooklyn College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Medgar Evers College in New York. I’m fluent in French and Creole.

Hi, I’m Rukiya (Kiya), Staff Accountant at the DowntownDC BID since June 2024. I help keep our finances running smoothly so the fun can keep flowing downtown! I love being part of this vibrant community—there’s always something new to discover. Exploring the DowntownDC Holiday Market was such a highlight for me it truly marks the time of the holidays for me. Without a doubt, Franklin Park is hands down my favorite spot for a stroll.

Hello! I’m Ishan Heru, Director of Homeless Services at the DowntownDC BID, with over two decades of experience in housing, behavioral health, and cross-sector collaboration. At the BID, I bring my expertise to connect residents experiencing homelessness with the resources they need, overseeing strategic partnerships and daily operations at the Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC). As an avid supporter of the arts, I enjoy attending local gallery openings and catching shows at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and Warner Theatre.

Hello, I am Michael Bunn, Facilities Manager of Downtown DC Day Services Center. I have worked for the BID since 2007 and have had multiple positions In that time. One of the most memorable experiences of working for the BID was the first time I went to the DowntownDC Holiday market I had no idea that all this was happening just few me miles from my home. One of my favorite places in the BID is the Franklin Park, I love to garden and native plants are a passion and to see that the renovation of the park installed many native plants and for me that was beautiful and environmentally sustainable.  

Hi, I’m Montishe'a "SHEA" Saunders, Facility Assistant at the Downtown Day Services Center. I’ve been working here since October 2023 and love how I've adapted pretty fast to the environment! As a child I wanted to become a RN but soon realized my passion for it lacked ambition. Working at DDSC has added a sense of me knowing my position in life which is to help those that are less fortunate. I love to go on walks by the World War II Memorial or The Tidal Basin (I love to be by water!) and LOVE being a mom to my one son.

Hi. I’m Ebony P. Walton, Director of Marketing and Communications at the DowntownDC BID and a 19-year veteran in the place management industry. I began as a marketing assistant in 2006 and have since led initiatives in communications, operations, and stakeholder engagement. Today, I oversee strategic marketing, brand consistency, media relations, and team development. I love walking through Franklin Park and catching city views from the Arlo Hotel’s rooftop ART DC. I’ve got my eye on Love, Makoto as a new Downtown favorite.

I’m Martina Tinong. As the Marketing and Communications Associate with the DowntownDC BID, I’m the lead writer shaping our external tone and voice across our digital channels. I’ve been with the BID since May 2024, and my favorite Downtown spot is Woolly Mammoth Theatre. My two favorite moments: 1) blowing up a 10-ft inflatable bear at several notable spots and causing slight mayhem to promote Kids World and 2) seeing evening crowds surround and sing along with main stage acts at the DowntownDC Holiday Market. 

Hi, I’m Avery Prescott, Communications Content Coordinator at the DowntownDC BID. I’ve been with the BID since September 2024, and so far the journey’s been educational and dynamic! One highlight was coordinating a Live, two-hour talk show-style program called the State of Downtown where the mayor was a guest. I love learning the pulse of Downtown DC—and my favorite spot here is the Kogod Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum. I am a lover of nature, music, and good times with friends.

Hi! I’m Mai Nguyen, the Marketing and Communications Coordinator at DowntownDC BID. I first joined the team as an intern in November 2024 and returned a year later as a full-time member — an experience that’s challenged me to think big, full of growth, and rewarding with every learning moment. One of my favorite moments so far was managing the expense sheet of 50+ items for our rebrand project and seeing the new brand come to life across Downtown. Outside of work, I love collecting mini photo prints from the National Museum of Women in the Arts vending machine and grabbing my coffee at maman.

My name is Mark Simpson and I am Director of Planning & Economic Development for the DowntownDC BID. I joined the BID in September 2024 and have been thrilled to touch so many aspects of Downtown’s reimagination in the post-pandemic era as a mixed-use, vibrant neighborhood that serves the District, the region and beyond. My favorite highlight so far was the State of Downtown Forum and Report. It was my first major project with the BID and I was really proud of the research we put together. Presenting key data points to that audience was an incredible honor and one of the peaks of my professional career. I am a lifelong Caps fan and love attending games at CapOne arena; my favorite spot in Downtown is the 12th row above center ice.

Hi, my name is Sojung Kim, Planning and Economic Development Associate at DowntownDC BID. I joined the BID in December 2025, and I am very excited to be supporting planning, placemaking and economic development initiatives that not only enhance Downtown DC but also the district and region. I am looking forward to managing the BID’s Data Dashboard and conducting research, spatial and policy analysis for our many ongoing and upcoming projects. My favorite Downtown spots are the National Building Museum and Franklin Park. Outside of work, I like to vintage shop and thrift, play tennis, and explore new cafes and restaurants.

As Director of Public Space Operations at the DowntownDC BID since January 2024, I lead a dedicated operations team focused on creating memorable experiences for residents, workers, and visitors through clean, safe, and vibrant public spaces that create economic impact for our stakeholders. I’m proud of building a strong, adaptable operations team that successfully executes complex projects—including public art, activations, partnerships that make DowntownDC a thriving hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. My favorite spot in Downtown has to be all the public spaces, restaurants, and cultural entities that make Downtown DC amazing.

I’m Ellouise Johnson, Deputy Director of Public Space Operations at the DowntownDC BID, where I’ve proudly worked since July 2019. I studied at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs and previously held roles at KPMG, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Covington & Burling LLP (CityCenterDC). Outside of work, I enjoy motorcycle riding, sailing, playing music, triathlon cycling, and hands-on building. I’m passionate about leaving every person and place better than I found it.

My name is Cecily A. Mendie, and I serve as the Program Manager of Parks and Community Relations at the DowntownDC BID. I’ve been with the BID for 4 years. One of my most meaningful moments was being publicly acknowledged by outgoing NPS Superintendent Jeff Reinbold—his words affirmed the value of the work I pour into this space. While I don’t have a single favorite Downtown spot, I’m drawn to the energy and architecture of Midtown Center and CityCenterDC.

Rachel Rose Hartman is also the founding Executive Director of the DowntownDC Foundation, which serves and celebrates the DowntownDC community. Since May 2019, Rachel has created and led this new organization to effectively support homeless services, parks and public spaces and events and programming efforts in DowntownDC.