About UsWho We Are

Who We Are

Photo Credit BID Staff at the McPherson Square Metro Mural Unveiling; Photo by Kristen Franklin

Staff
Ambassadors
Board of Directors
Employment Opportunities

The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) was founded in 1997 and is a private nonprofit organization that provides capital improvements, resources, and research that keep the BID area clean, safe, economically and environmentally strong, and accessible. The DowntownDC BID is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public/private partnerships, and enhancing the DowntownDC experience for all. This special district, where property owners have agreed to tax themselves to fund services, encompasses a 138-block area of approximately 520 properties from Massachusetts Avenue on the north to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west. The DowntownDC BID employs Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance ambassadors, also known as SAMs, who keep DowntownDC streets clean, safe, and friendly and assist residents, workers and visitors with a variety of needs. Administrative and management staff are experienced and knowledgeable individuals who share a passion and vision for improving the physical, economic, and social environment in DowntownDC.

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Read the BID's FY 2020 Annual Report

Our

Staff

Executive

Gerren G. Price
President and Chief Executive Officer (Acting)

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Gerren G. Price brings to the BID more than 15 years of experience directing and supporting large-scale youth, workforce, and education programs and initiatives in the government and nonprofit sectors. He joined the BID as Director of Public Space Operations in 2018. Previously, he served as Senior Associate for National Community Strategies at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Gerren began his career managing a national youth mentoring program before serving in several capacities in the District of Columbia Government beginning in the Office of the Chancellor for DC Public Schools (DCPS), where he served as Coordinator for Out-of-School Time Programs for secondary schools. He later served as Director of Programs at the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. He also served as Program Manager for the Mayor Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP) under the D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) before he rose to hold the positions of Associate Director of the DOES Office of Youth Programs and Deputy Director of Youth Workforce Development. He also served as Deputy Director of Business Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and as the Interim Director for DOES. Throughout his professional career and personal life, Gerren has maintained an active leadership role in mentoring and tutoring, including through consultant support for DC workforce development company P.R.E.P., LLC, and work for the National Organization of Concerned Black Men and America Reads/America Counts. Gerren holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S./MBA from the University of Maryland, University College. He lives in D.C. with his wife and two daughters.

Administration

Nabavi Oliver
Director of Administration

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Nabavi Oliver, Esq., is the BID’s Director of Administration, responsible for human resources and internal operations, corporate matters and board responsibilities. Nabavi joined the BID from EagleForce Associates, Incorporated, where he served as the Director of Business and Legal Operations. He brings an array of proven expertise in increasing revenue and generating processes and procedures that create lasting success and sustainability. Nabavi’s passion for helping emerging and established organizations to thrive has driven his career in both the public and private sectors. Among his significant previous positions, Nabavi worked for the District of Columbia in the Office of Contracting and Procurement, Department of Human Resources and the Executive Office of the Mayor. Previously, Nabavi practiced law at Dewey & LeBoeuf in New York, where he is still barred. Nabavi earned his J.D. from Barry University School of Law and a Bachelor’s of Science from Florida State University. He is a D.C. resident.

DeLores M. Dickens, Administrative Assistant

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DeLores M. Dickens joined the BID in October 1997 as receptionist/assistant to the president. She was previously employed with the International Downtown Association as a receptionist and office assistant, the U.S. Information Agency as an office manager/clerk in the books program department, and the Pax River Naval Air Station as an office clerk.

Christian Romero, Human Resources Manager

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Christian Romero is the BID’s Human Resources Manager, where he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Human Resources: global HR operations, compensation and benefits, employee safety, recruitment, hiring, and HR compliance. He has 10+ years of experience in all areas of Human Resources, including talent engagement strategy, total rewards, performance management, employee wellness and safety, and employee training. Christian holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in International Economy and Labor Relations, and Human Resources. He loves that Human Resources can elevate the company’s success as a whole by fostering a positive culture and preparing employees with the right tools for success. Christian is native from Spain, and if you want to know which team he roots for—it's Real Madrid.

Jalal Chaoui, Payroll Manager

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Jalal Chaoui (Jay) is the Payroll Manager for the BID, where he is responsible for processing payroll and employee benefits. He previously served as the operations office manager for the SAM ambassadors, where he oversaw office payroll and monitored equipment, uniforms, and supplies. Jay joined the BID in December 2001 with a background in hospitality. He served at the Marriott Hotels for 10 years as a staff accountant. He earned a degree in physics from Rabat Science University in Morocco.

Tyrell Thomas, IT Associate

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Conducting computer diagnostics to investigate issues and resolve problems, Tyrell contributes his technological skills to the BID as IT Associate. Prior to his start in January 2018 working to support the BID's IT infrastructure, Tyrell served as a Safety/Hospitality Ambassador from 2015-2017. Tyrell attended Coppin State University and the American Career Institute. He earned multiple certifications including Comptia A+ and Digital Networks. Tyrell has served organizations and entities including Men Giving Back, Safe Shores, and Benning Park Recreation Center. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, sports, and spending time with loved ones. Tyrell is a D.C. native.

Economic Development

Gerry Widdicombe
Director of Economic Development

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Gerry Widdicombe served as the BID’s Director of Economic Development from 2000 to 2017 and returned to the BID in 2018 to assume that role once again. From December 2012 to May 2014, Gerry served as Executive Director of the D.C. Tax Revision Commission. Previously, Gerry worked for the D.C. government in both the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (1999–2000) and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (1998–1999). Prior to that, Gerry worked as a financial consultant including at the FDIC and RTC during the savings and loan crisis of the early 1990s. He spent 10 years working at Goldman Sachs in the 1980s. Gerry is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. Gerry currently serves on the board of directors for theatreWashington.

Alex Cline, Economic Development Analyst

Finance

Lulu Liu, Senior Accountant

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Lulu Liu serves as Senior Accountant for the BID, maintaining the organization's general ledger and preparing month-end close procedures, reconciling account balances and bank statements, documenting, monitoring internal controls to ensure compliance, and preparing the budget. Lulu also assists with performing variance analyses and with financial and tax audits. Lulu joined the BID in January 2005 with a background in accounting. She previously served as staff and senior account in various positions in the commercial and nonprofit sectors and with government contractors. She has also served as an instructor in the Beijing Teacher Institute. Lulu holds a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Baltimore and a bachelor's degree in education from Beijing Normal University.

Innes Noel-Jeune, Staff Accountant

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Innes joined the BID in 2019 as a Staff Accountant with over 15 years of accounting-related management experience in various industries, including fashion, advertisement, social, and medical. Innes served as chapter president for the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), leading his chapter to two national awards during his tenure. He has lived in several countries, including France and Canada. Innes loves classical and jazz music and plays alto saxophone in his free time. He earned a master’s degree in business economics from Brooklyn College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting at Medgar Evers College in New York. Innes is fluent in French and Creole.

Homeless Services

Debra Kilpatrick Byrd
Director of Homeless Services

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Debra Kilpatrick Byrd is the BID’s Director of Homeless Services, responsible for the overall operations of the BID’s Downtown Day Services Center and comprehensive homeless outreach in the downtown area to include business and property stakeholder engagement. Debra possesses over two decades of program management, community outreach, government relations, program development and leadership. Having held several executive level positions, Debra has been responsible for several local and nationally successful homeless initiatives that specializes in nonprofit program development, fund development, marketing, and overall operations. Debra has served on local and national health projects and panels. She offers a vast amount of expertise in low barrier and overnight shelter management, health disparity prevention, and mental health education through a multiplatform integrated approach to health education including public awareness campaigns and grassroots programming. Debra received her B.B.A. in Business Administration from Georgia State University in Atlanta. Her hobbies and interests include traveling, collecting antiques, volunteering, and reading. She is drawn to and passionate about charitable organizations such as her church and nonprofits that assist underserved communities.

Michael Bunn, Lead Facilities Assistant

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Michael Bunn joined the BID in 2007 as a Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) ambassador and in 2019 began working as a facility assistant for the Downtown Day Services Center (The Center). He currently lives in northeast D.C. and is studying urban agriculture at the University of the District of Columbia. He wishes to one day use his passion for gardening and sustainability to feed the Center’s many guests.

Jeremiah DeSousa, Facilities Assistant

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Jeremiah DeSousa began working as a facility assistant in 2019 when the Downtown Day Services Center opened. He previously served as the BID's Administrative Assistant as well as a BID Safety/Hospitality Ambassador. In previous roles, Jeremiah dedicated his time to the education and promotion of social justice and homeless outreach programs.

Montee "Angel" Saunders, Facilities Assistant

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Montee “Angel” Sanders is a proud D.C. native who joined the BID in 2007 as a Safety/Hospitality and Maintenance (SAM) ambassador. In 2019, she transitioned into her current role as a facility assistant with the Downtown Day Services Center. Prior to working at the BID, Angel was a certified nursing assistant with the National Labor Relations Board. She resides in D.C. with her six children.

Famela Wolf, Facilities Assistant

Planning and Placemaking

Maria Espinoza, Planning Associate

Marketing & Communications

Braulio Agnese
Director of Marketing and Communications

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Braulio Agnese is the BID’s Director of Marketing and Communications and cultivates creative strategies for promoting the neighborhood and the organization to D.C.-area residents, workers, and visitors. In addition, Braulio oversees the BID’s brand across a variety of print and digital assets, manages communications efforts and media relations, and assists with events. With his passion for design, arts, and the written word, he has enjoyed a wide-ranging career, including helping launch Architect magazine (the American Institute of Architects’ official publication since 2011); raising awareness and support for the local nonprofit Dupont Underground, as well as envisioning and fostering the organization’s first art installation; and serving as the marketing and communications director at DowntownDC’s neighbor, the NoMa BID. A longtime District resident, Braulio moved into the city soon after receiving his Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree at St. John’s College, the nation’s third-oldest institution of higher education.

Remi Wallace, Events and Strategic Partnerships Manager

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In the effort to make DowntownDC the city’s premier destination, Remi develops exciting and creative opportunities to promote the DowntownDC brand and its visibility through public programming. Previously, Remi was Program Manager - External Relations at the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Remi holds a bachelor's degree in African American Studies from Howard University and has spent the majority of her professional career in arts management and hospitality in D.C.

Tasha Stiger, Events and Strategic Partnerships Associate

Valencia Long, Events Manager / District of Fashion Creative Strategist

Public Space Operations

Cecily Mendie , Franklin Park Manager

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Cecily Mendie brings to be the BID over 17 years of Parks and Recreation management. Prior to joining the BID, she served as an Area Manager with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, managing over staff and recreation centers in Wards 6, 7, and 8, before assuming the role of Senior Services Manager. Cecily is passionate about creating equitable park access, park sustainability, and increased opportunities for wellness. In her free time, Cecily enjoys traveling, the arts, and playing flag football. Cecily is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).

Ellouise Johnson, Maintenance Services Manager

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Ellouise Johnson brings to the BID over 15 years of experience in project and facilities management. Her passion for projects, build outs and the scope of facilities infrastructure is evident from her managerial experience at CityCenterDC, the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and KPMG. In her eight years with DPR she held many roles including managing over 198 trade staff and employees and overseeing the build out of pools, parks and playgrounds. As an Infrastructure and Facilities Manager at KPMG, Ellouise oversaw office build outs and inspections, and managed more than 10 offices in several states. Ellouise is a talented multitasker with a can-do attitude. When she is not at the office, she can be found playing golf, rugby, or basketball. She is on a triathlon team and loves football season.

Ebony Walton, Senior Operations Administrator

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Ebony Patrice Walton began serving in 2019 as the Senior Operations Administrator for the BID's Public Space Operations Department. Previously, she was the BID's marketing and communications manager where she developed and produced website, marketing and multimedia content, created promotional campaigns and strategies and conducted outreach to BID stakeholders. Ebony began her tenure at the BID as a marketing assistant. Over the years, Ebony has worked in various capacities at the BID and on many projects and events that included the Momentum Awards, State of Downtown, banner permitting, uniform brand standards and holiday decor. She earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast news from Howard University. Ebony has held several pageant titles such as Miss Black Florida USA, Miss Black USA and Miss Black World DC. Ebony grew up in Miami and now resides in Maryland with her husband and three children.

60+ Safety/Hospitality & Maintenance Ambassadors (SAMs),

DowntownDC Foundation

Rachel Rose Hartman
Executive Director

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Rachel Rose Hartman is the founding Executive Director of the DowntownDC Foundation, the BID's 501c3 organization. The DowntownDC Foundation supports the BID's philanthropic efforts by enhancing service to the DowntownDC community through homeless services, park revitalization, public art and programming, and public space improvements. Rachel previously served as the BID's Director of Interactive Marketing and Communications, where she directed marketing, events, branding, and communications for the organization. Rachel joined the BID in January 2014 with 10 years of political journalism experience. She previously held the positions of White House Reporter and Political Reporter for Yahoo News after covering several election cycles as a daily reporter for Congressional Quarterly. Her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Daily Beast, and many other publications, and she served as a guest on national and local television and radio. Rachel holds a B.A. in print journalism from American University. Rachel was awarded a 2017 Emerging Leader Fellowship from the International Downtown Association. She currently serves as vice chair of the board of directors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Rachel lives in D.C. with her husband and two sons.

Jana Krien, Development Operations Manager

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Jana Krien graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Biology in 2019. While there, she founded a nonprofit called Penn Period Project to provide menstrual products and health education to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Philadelphia area. By 2019, Penn Period Project was a registered 501(c)3 with over 100 members, had partnerships local businesses as well as CVS and Rite Aid, and served 5 homeless shelters in the area. She also co-authored a proposal with student government to provide free menstrual products on campus, which was then approved and enacted by the university. Jana was the Executive Director and Co-Captain of the entirely student-led dance team on campus, the Quaker Girls. She oversaw all team activities and philanthropy, including partnerships with GlobeMed, Relay for Life, and the Philadelphia 76ers. She was awarded a Senior Spotlight Award for Community Service in 2019.

Photo Credit SAMs walk in the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade. Photo: Bob Rives.

Safety/Hospitality & Maintenance and Franklin Park

Ambassadors

Supervisors

Jose Tomas Avelar, Supervisor

Phillip Crooms, Supervisor

Rene Diaz, Franklin Park Team Supervisor

Ethel Frye, Maintenance Supervisor

Cedric Johnson, Franklin Park Team Supervisor

Alfreda Mintah, Dispatch

Blanca Ramirez, Maintenance Supervisor

Crystal Saunders, Safety/Hospitality Supervisor

Dion Simmons, Safety/Hospitality Supervisor

Michael Williams, Maintenance Supervisor

Safety/Hospitality Team

Alyce Easterling, Safety/Hospitality Team Member

Zachary Gebhardt, Safety/Hospitality Team Member

LaShawn Hawkins, Safety/Hospitality Team Member

Donna Riley, Safety/Hospitality Team Member

Robert Toney, Safety/Hospitality Team Member

Maintenance Team

Timothy Bolden, Maintenance Team Member

Bernard Bond, Maintenance Team Member

Michael Brown, Maintenance Team Member

Wayne Cain, Maintenance Team Member

Norma Canales, Maintenance Team Member

Rodolfo Custodio, Maintenance Team Member

Raymond Dantzler, Maintenance Team Member

Anthony Davenport, Maintenance Team Member

John Davis, Maintenance Team Member

Marcus Gethers, Maintenance Team Member

Nelson Giron, Maintenance Team Member

Tyrell Hale, Maintenance Team Member

DeMarco Head, Maintenance Team Member

Bianca Jackson, Maintenance Team Member

Alesha Knott, Maintenance Team Member

Manuel Loza, Maintenance Team Member

Robert Martin, Maintenance Team Member

Julio Martinez, Maintenance Team Member

Frank McCoy, Maintenance Team Member

Kevin McKinley, Maintenance Team Member

Malik McSwain, Maintenance Team Member

Julio Mendez, Maintenance Team Member

Phillip Mitchell, Maintenance Team Member

Justin Monroe, Maintenance Team Member

Anthony Price, Maintenance Team Member

Sarvelio Rodas, Maintenance Team Member

Rosa Rosales, Maintenance Team Member

Harold Royal, Maintenance Team Member

Lorenzo Sanders, Sr., Maintenance Team Member

Hector Segura, Maintenance Team Member

Lorine Simon, Maintenance Team Member

Jermaine Simpson, Maintenance Team Member

Charles Stroud, Jr., Maintenance Team Member

Phillip Wright, Maintenance Team Member

board of

Directors

Board of Directors 2021 - Executive Committee

Gregory A. O’Dell, Chairman

President and Chief Executive Officer, Events DC

Michael McCarthy, Second Vice Chair

Vice President/Director of Acquisitions, Quadrangle Development Corporation

Scott Frisch, Treasurer

Chief Operating Officer, American Association of Retired Persons Federation

Donna Cooper, Secretary

Region President, PEPCO

Kingdon Gould III, Past Chair

Vice President, Gould Property Company

Matthew Klein, Past Chair

President, Akridge

Chase Rynd, Past Chair

Executive Director Emeritus, National Building Museum

Robert H. Braunohler, Member

Real Estate Development Consultant, RB Advisors LLC

Yeni Wong, Member

President, Riverdale International

Board of Directors 2021

Jeffrey Bank, Member

Chief Executive Officer, The Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmine’s)

Ann Chisholm, Member

District of Columbia Government Relations Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Monica Dixon, Member

Chief Admin. Officer/President - External Affairs, Monumental Sports & Entertainment

Thomas E. Finan, Member

Managing Director, Trammell Crow Company

Shantelle George, Member

Vice President & General Manager, Macy's

Brian Grant, Member

1st Vice President, Equity Residential

Thor C. Headley, Member

Managing Director, Hines

Norman Jemal, Member

Principal & Senior Vice President, Douglas Development Corporation

Chris Jennings, Member

Managing Director, The Shakespeare Theatre Company

Gregory Leinweber, Member

Area Director of Sales and Marketing, Kimpton Hotels Mid-Atlantic & SE

Eric Martino, Member

Chief Operations Officer, ThinkFoodGroup

Robin McClain, Member

Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Destination DC

John McDonnell, Member

CEO & President, Clyde's Restaurant Group

Jon “J.R.” Meyers, Member

Senior Partner, The Meyers Group LLC

Rev. Dr. Ianther M. Mills, Member

Senior Pastor - Asbury United Methodist Church

Wallace J. Mlyniec, Member

Lupo-Rici Professor of Clinical Legal Justice/Director, Juvenile Justice Clinic Georgetown University Law Center

Christopher P. Mundy, Member

Manager & Senior Vice President, Oxford Properties Group

Michael Murillo , Member

Vice President, Asset Management – US Office Division

Christopher Murphy, Member

Georgetown University, Vice President for Government Relations and Community Engagement

Peter Otteni, Member

Senior Vice President, Development - Boston Properties

Todd Payne, Member

Government Affairs Manager, Microsoft

Kim Sajet, Member

Director, National Portrait Gallery & Smithsonian Institution

Kenneth Schwartz, Member

Partner, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Gail Smith-Howard, Member

General Manager, Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

Paul R. Tetreault, Member

Producing Director, Ford’s Theatre

Dean Violagis, Member

Vice President, Research, CoStar Group, Inc.

Matthew August, GSA Liaison

Director, Facilities Mgmt, PBS, NCR