About UsWho We Are

Who We Are

Photo Credit BID staff in Franklin Park.

Staff
Ambassadors
Board of Directors

Founded in 1997 as a private, nonprofit place-management organization, the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all. We oversee a 140-block area of approximately 530 properties and numerous parks and public spaces, from Massachusetts Avenue NW on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue NW on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue NW on the east to 16th Street/Black Lives Matter Plaza NW on the west.

Join the BID team: click here for current openings.

General media requests should be sent to BerlinRosen: downtowndcbid@berlinrosen.com. For any other BID communications related matters, contact Ebony P. Walton, Director of Marketing and Communications: ebony@downtowndc.org.

Our

Staff

Executive

Gerren G. Price
President & Chief Executive Officer

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Gerren Price brings to the DowntownDC 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, starting in the Office of the Chancellor for D.C. Public Schools, then later serving 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 D.C. Department of Employment Services, he rose to hold the positions of Associate Director of the DOES Office of Youth Programs and Deputy Director of Youth Workforce Development, and also served as Deputy Director of Business Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and as the agency’s Interim Director.

Rachel Rose Hartman
Chief Strategy Officer

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Rachel Rose Hartman is a visionary leader steering the Downtown D.C.'s future. Having spearheaded the DowntownDC Foundation as its founding Executive Director, Rachel is uniquely poised to step into the new role as Chief Strategy Officer for the DowntownDC BID. Her tenure at the Foundation has honed her ability to foster community engagement, drive impactful philanthropy, and spearhead transformative initiatives. Now, as Chief Strategy Officer, Rachel leverages this expertise to propel the BID's strategic priorities forward, ensuring synergy between the BID, the Foundation, and Downtown D.C.

Administration

Samala Satterwhite
Director of Administration

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Samala Satterwhite is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of extensive experience in Human Resources and Operations, having worked with renowned companies such as Michael and Son, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Organization Development, Samala brings a robust educational foundation to their role. Samala has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering organizational growth and development throughout her career. She is a full-cycle HR professional with a proven track record in various HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, operations, performance management, and strategic planning. Samala has also served as the Director of Human Resources for the non-profit organization Vietnam Veterans of America, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing HR practices and supporting the organization's mission. In addition to her practical experience, Samala is a Certified Corporate Trainer and a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These certifications underscore her expertise in training and development and her comprehensive understanding of HR principles and best practices. As Director of Administration, Samala leverages her expertise to oversee administrative functions, ensure operational efficiency, and drive organizational success. Her dedication to excellence and ability to adapt to dynamic environments make her a valuable asset to the team.

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 and Benefits 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.

D'Mario Headen-Vance IT Operations Manager

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As the Downtown BID's IT Operations Manager, D'Mario Headen-Vance oversees technology operations and systems functionality through a progressive lens in order to maximize availability and reliability of systems and networks, vendors, and service providers, and to improve efficiency and productivity for staff. Prior to joining the BID, D'Mario served as federal technical account manager at Dell Technologies and successfully evaluated and implemented new technologies and systems to improve the IT infrastructure and provide support to several federal accounts. D'Mario began his career in technology at the cross-sections of K-12 education, higher education, and the private sector, thus aligning him with a futuristic and creative approach to IT solutions. D'Mario obtained a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a minor in Forensic Science from the University of Maryland University College and an Associates of Applied Science in IT-Networking Specialist.

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.

Events & Strategic Partnerships

Melanie Nwosu
Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships

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As Director of Events and Partnerships, Melanie I. Nwosu is responsible for guiding the strategy and execution of all BID events, including public space activations across a range of scales, receptions, conferences, festivals, markets, and beyond. She will continue cultivating the relationships that have been established with the DowntownDC community as well as develop new partnerships while working on meaningful and common visions. Melanie is an event industry and client relationship veteran with over 20 years of professional industry experience. Her roles have included senior level and executive management positions for corporate, private, and non-profit organizations, most recently the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Her expertise includes event conceptualization and execution, production and logistics, project and team management, and partner and donor relationship cultivation. Her event productions have ranged from small, intimate soirees to macroscale convenings, locally, nationally, and internationally. During her career, she has curated events and has been commissioned for works for notable individuals and organizations including world leaders, supreme court justices, high-ranking military and federal government officials, and music and film personalities. When time allows, she lends her skills and advice to her local school board and various other charitable organizations within her community. Additionally, she is a founding member of Empower Her Empower Me, mother & daughter summit, where she continues to serve and volunteer as an advisor and mentor. Melanie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Howard University and holds numerous event and meeting industry certifications and memberships.

Valencia Long, Events & Strategic Partnerships Manager

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As an Event Manager at the DowntownDC BID, Valencia specializes in programming world-class Signature and Social Impact events. She is a versatile and highly adaptable interdisciplinary creative professional with 15 years of experience spanning multiple industries. Her extensive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as UNCF, YMCA, James Madison University, and the Hosanna Institute of the Sahel to develop impactful content, events, and programs. She has directed and produced branding video packages for Emily’s List, showcasing our nation's female leaders, including the Honorable Speaker Emerita, Nancy Pelosi, and the recently appointed first Black Female Senator for the state of California, Laphonza Butler. Valencia’s experience also includes professional modeling, fashion styling, event management, and serving as a Creative Director in the fashion and beauty industries in New York. She is a dedicated advocate for Girls and Women. She is proud to have served and mentored over 2,000 girls and young women domestically and abroad through her organization, MissFancyPants. Valencia's educational background includes a B.A. in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.A. in Women & Gender Studies from George Mason University, where she also served as an adjunct professor. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, reading, fine dining, and spending time with loved ones.

Yue Han, Events & Strategic Partnerships, Event Associate

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As an Event Associate at the DowntownDC BID, Yue Han serves as a Planner and is responsible for creating and programming multiple meaningful and impactful events. She enthusiastically cultivates current key event partnerships and sponsorships and establishes new ones. Yue Han is a dynamic and creative Event Specialist with rich experience organizing large-scale global events for industry-leading organizations and corporations. Her achievements include planning and organizing conferences and exhibitions with over 10,000 attendees. She has created vibrant collaborations with international conference and exhibition organizers across many countries. Yue Han holds two master’s degrees in International Communication, one from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, Netherlands, and another from Libera Università di Lingue e Comunicazione IULM, Italy. She is also certified in Exhibition Management (CEM).

Finance

Gerry Widdicombe
Chief Financial Officer

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Gerry Widdicombe is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including planning, budgeting and analysis; accounting; billing; and working closely with the Board of Directors and treasurer to ensure that the organization remains in good financial health and that its financial operations align with its strategic priorities. Previously he served as Director of Economic Development from 2018 to 2023. It's a role he also held from 2000 to 2017. From December 2012 to May 2014, Gerry served as Executive Director of the D.C. Tax Revision Commission. Previously, he worked for the D.C. government in both the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, Gerry was a financial consultant, including at the FDIC and RTC during the savings-and-loan crisis of the early 1990s. He spent 10 years at Goldman Sachs in the 1980s. Gerry is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School.

Lulu Liu, Controller

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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, Senior 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.

Rukiya Lewis Staff Accountant

Homeless Services

Vacant
Director of Homeless Services

Michael Bunn, Interim Operations Manager

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Michael Bunn is a native Washingtonian and has worked at the BID since 2007, when he started as a SAM. He moved over to the Downtown Day Services Center as a Facilities Assistant when it opened in 2019. Michael loves gardening and traveling. Currently he is enrolled at the University of the District of Columbia, where he is focusing his studies on Urban Sustainability.

Cheven Gaston Facilities Assistant

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.

Mark Smith Facilities Assistant

Famela Wolf Facilities Assistant

Marketing and Communications

Ebony P. Walton
Director of Marketing and Communications

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Currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Communications, Ebony Patrice Walton began her tenure with the DowntownDC BID in 2006 as a marketing assistant. Over the years, Ebony has worked in various capacities at the BID and on many projects and events. A self-proclaimed BID nerd, Ebony has had the opportunity to manage marketing and communications efforts, lead public space operations projects and initiatives, and coordinate external stakeholder engagement. Ebony is a wife, mom, minister, graduate of Howard University and a former Miss Black USA. Ebony grew up in Miami and now resides in Maryland with her husband and three children. She has one mission: be an agent of change.

Martina Tinong Marketing and Communications Associate

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As the BID’s Marketing and Communications Associate, Martina Tinong is responsible for the editorial creation, coordination, and implementation of print and digital marketing campaigns. She comes with a background in community engagement, integrated marketing, event planning, and strategic brand partnerships, and has lent her talents to a diverse array of clients in finance, non-profit, and beverage industries through her public relations consulting work. Martina enjoys working with youth girls, having spent the past 10 years as a dedicated volunteer coach for Girls on the Run, empowering young girls to unleash their full potential. A self-described adventure girl, Martina is always up for a thrilling excursion or activity. She loves to travel and learn about different cultures. Her interests include art appreciation, fashion design, runway modeling, novice photography, cherry blossoms, and catching up on classic 80’s and 90’s movies.  Martina holds a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland. 

Avery Prescott Communications Content Coordinator

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Avery has a solid background in mass media production, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from George Mason University, where she specialized in media production and criticism. Her internship with the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy honed her skills in media production and advocacy for outdoor spaces. Beyond her professional background, Avery has a deep passion for art. She enjoys painting, drawing, and digital art, sharing her creative journey on her YouTube channel and Instagram. She's also keen to advance her graphic design skills and is an avid hiker, always open for a camping trip.


Planning & Economic Development

Mark Simpson
Director of Planning & Economic Development

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Mark oversees a range of research, policy, and project initiatives focused on revitalizing the Downtown core. He brings extensive private-sector experience and academic training in urban land and real estate development, multifamily construction, urban design and planning, creative activations, and place-based marketing. Mark excels at applying urban design, planning, and economic development theories to the market-driven realities of the District’s real estate sector and public spaces.   Before joining DowntownDC BID, Mark led similar revitalization efforts in the Downtown West neighborhood. Mark also spent over five years as a development manager for the reimagining of the historic Walter Reed campus in Upper Northwest DC. Mark holds dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a BA in Political Science and Spanish Literature from New York University. A native of the DC area, he currently lives with his wife, two children, and two cats in the Petworth neighborhood. In his free time, Mark enjoys cycling, board games, and live music.

Public Space Operations

Lukas Umana
Director of Public Space Operations

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Lukas Umana brings to our team a wealth of experience and expertise, having thrived in a distinguished 16-year career as a business executive with a focus on the hospitality industry. His multifaceted skills encompass operations, finance, and the cultivation of positive company culture. Noteworthy achievements include the successful launch of nine food & beverage businesses across Washington D.C., Maryland, and Pennsylvania. His most recent role was as the President & Chief Financial Officer of the TaKorean restaurant group. From 2007 to 2017, Lukas served as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of his own restaurant group in Washington, D.C., with three flourishing locations. Prior to his endeavors in the hospitality sector, he dedicated a decade to serving as a Program Management Analyst for the Chief Information Office at the Department of Defense. Lukas is a graduate with a degree in Finance and International Management from American University.

Ellouise Johnson Deputy Director of Public Space Operations

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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.

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).

60+ Safety/Hospitality & Maintenance (SAM) Ambassadors

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

Supervisor Team

Crystal Saunders, Safety and Maintenance Supervisor

Eric White, Logistics Supervisor

Rene Diaz-Morales, Franklin Park Supervisor

Michael Williams,

Jonathan Broussard,

Ethel Frye,

Blanca Ramirez,

Dispatch Team

Alfreda Mintah,

Donna Riley,

Robert Toney,

Logistics Team

Alyce Easterling,

Tremaine Moore,

Rosa Rosales De Velado,

Ronnie Frank,

Special Projects

Michael Borum,

Terrence McNeal,

Fred Peele,

Lorine Simon,

Philip Wright,

Safety/Hospitality & Maintenance Ambassador Team

Reyes Alvarez,

Timothy Bolden,

Bernard Bond,

Martin Brown,

Norma Canales,

Wayne Cain,

James Carter,

James Caviness Bey,

Winston Corley,

Rodolfo Custodio,

Raymond Dantzler,

Anthony Davenport,

Marcus Gethers,

Nelson Giron-Mendoza,

Robert Grimes,

Tyrell Hale,

Angelo Hicks,

Jason Howell,

Jerome Jackson,

Marcus Johnson,

Michael Johnson,

Darwin Jones,

Maria Leiva Sorto,

Tony Leonard,

Quenton Lofton,

Manuel Loza,

Julio Martinez,

Frank McCoy,

Kevin McKinley,

Julio Mendez Arevalo,

Leonard Redmond,

Harold Royal,

Jermaine Simpson,

Charles Stroud Jr.,

Edward Taylor,

Justin Thomas,

Lawrence Twisdale,

Shanae Wilkins,

Alonzo Williams,

Franklin Park

Lashawn Hawkins,

Malik McSwain,

Phillip Mitchell,

Henry Ridout,

Lasheia Walker,

Board of

Directors

Board of Directors FY 2025 — Executive Committee

Gerren Price, President

President and CEO, DowntownDC BID Corporation

Michael McCarthy, Chairman

Corporate Vice President and Director of Asset Management and Acquisitions, Quadrangle Development Corporation

Matthew Klein, First Vice Chair

President, Akridge

Christopher P. Mundy, Treasurer

Manager/Senior Vice President, Oxford Properties

Shantelle George, Secretary

Senior Director – Store Manager, Macy's Metro Center Downtown DC

Scott Frisch, Member

EVP, Chief Operating Officer, AARP

Kingdon Gould III, Member

Vice President, Gould Property Company

Yeni Wong, Member

President, Riverdale International

Board of Directors FY 2025

Sherry Abedi, Member

Area General Manager, Hotel Zena

Lamont Akins, Member

Director of Governmental and External Affairs, Pepco

Jeffrey Bank, Member

CEO, The Alicart Restaurant Group (Carmine’s)

Ann Chisholm, Member

DC Government Relations Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Jon Davenhall, Member

General Manager, Grand Hyatt

Kimberly Douglas, Member

Managing Director, Woolly Mammoth Theatre

Thomas E. Finan, Member

Managing Director, Trammell Crow Company

Scott Frisch, Member

COO, AARP

Aileen Fuchs, Member

President & Executive Director, National Building Museum

Angie Gates, Member

President & CEO, Events DC

Shantelle George, Secretary

Senior Director – Store Manager, Macy's Metro Center Downtown DC

Marisa Gerla, Member

Managing Director & Senior Partner, BCG

Crispus Gordon, Member

Vice President, Government Relations and Strategic Affairs, Monumental Sports and Entertainment

Kingdon Gould III, Member

Vice President, Gould Property Company

Robert Hoffman, Member

Principal, Global Fund Investments

Norman Jemal, Member

Principal/Senior Vice President, Douglas Development Corporation

Matthew Klein, First Vice Chair

President, Akridge

Michael McCarthy, Chairman

Corporate Vice President and Director of Asset Management and Acquisitions, Quadrangle Development Corporation

Robin A. McClain, Member

CMO, Destination DC

John McDonnell, Member

President, Clyde's Restaurant Group

Marshall McNair, Member

Senior Vice President, Asset Management | U.S. Office Division, Brookfield Properties

Kate Melville, Member

Acting Deputy Director/Chief of Staff, Office of Facilities Management U.S General Services Administration Public Buildings Service | National Capital

Rev. Dr. Ianther 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, Treasurer

Manager/Senior Vice President, Oxford Properties

D'Juan O'Donald, Member

Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Pete Otteni, Member

Executive Vice President, Co-Head of the Washington DC Region, Boston Properties

Ida Polite, Member

Owner Ida's Idea

Gerren Price, President and CEO

DowntownDC BID Corporation

Kim Sajet, Member

Director, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

Kenneth Schwartz, Member

Partner, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Paul R. Tetreault, Member

Producing Director, Ford’s Theatre

Kevin Tien, Member

Owner, Moon Rabbit

Dean Violagis, Member

Vice President, Research, CoStar Group, Inc.

Yeni Wong, Member

President, Riverdale International