Committees

Government Affairs Committee

Chair: Brett Greene, American Management Corporation

The DC Chamber’s Government Affairs committee, made up of Chamber member representatives, supports the prioritization of and informs much of the organization’s advocacy activities. Both regulatory and legislative issues that impact the broader business community and the Chamber’s policy agenda are regularly discussed and brought to the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee for feedback and recommendations. It is during these meetings that the Committee analyzes issues and would make determinations that guide the Chamber’s positioning.

Health and Wellness Committee

Co-Chairs: Colette Chichester, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Regina Knox-Woods, Medstar Health

Deliver and execute proactive solutions to Chamber members in two major areas of expertise:

  • Rebrand and provide wellness initiatives for the Chamber, helping to reduce business costs for members.
  • Proactively advance policy issues that can benefit the health community in the District.

International Business Development Committee

Chair: Simone Williams, Williams Global Law and Henok Tesfaye, USP Holdings

To promote the District’s export trading capabilities (both products and services) by providing access, connections, and resources, generating opportunities for cycles of business and economic growth.

Membership Committee

Co-Chairs: John Tucker, TD Bank and Robert Duru, M&T Bank

Help recruit and retain Chamber members. Through its Ambassador Program, the committee serves as the welcoming arm of the DC Chamber, promotes new member participation and continues the DC Chamber’s strategy to increase membership. Recommend member program curriculum and new member discount programs.

Retail Workgroup

Chair: Garret McGuire, AT&T

The purpose of the retail group will be to identify the top obstacles for retail establishments in the District: workforce development, government relations, workforce crime, taxes and impending fees, compliance concerns mandated by the District Government, fleet, pest control and developing issues specific to the industry.

Small Business Advisory Council

Co-Chairs: Ryan Chaffo, City National Bank and Jacquay Henderson, Square Peg Technologies

Organize the forum on behalf of small business members to provide the DC Chamber President and CEO with unique insight and perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the small business owner/operator.

Workforce Development Committee

Co-Chairs: Jim Steffes, Washington Gas and Connie Russell, C.L Russell Group

The focus of the DC Chamber Workforce Development Committee will be to identify ways a skilled and local workforce can benefit DC businesses. Using (1) Education, (2) Training, and (3) Connections, as the major themes/components of the committee’s work the DC Chamber’s role is amplified as a convener of value creation and getting young people more job ready. 

Real Estate and Construction Subcommittee

Chair: Delicia Gunn, Hempsulation

A Committee of construction contractors representing the various trades in an important resource for the D.C. chamber in gaining new insights and expertise on a variety of issues such as workforce development, building standards, codes, licensing, indoor air quality, fire life safety,creating and maintaining energy- efficient-buildings. As such, the construction industry’s interest are compatible and aligned with the interest of the business community.

Technology Subcommittee

Chair: Yohannes Tafesse, Gratitude Systems

Operating as a subcommittee within the Government Affairs committee, our primary objective is to advocate for and inform members about changes occurring in the District of Columbia.

Women in Business Subcommittee

Chair: Madia Brown, Brandire Agency

The objective of the Women in Business subcommittee is to identify resources and opportunities to increase equity and inclusion of women’s business leaders in the District . This subcommittee will fall under the Small Business Advisory Council.

Join a committee.

Unlock your potential and shape the future of our business community.

By joining a DC Chamber of Commerce committee. Connect with fellow leaders, influence policy, and drive innovation together!

Please keep in mind that in order to join a committee, you must first be a chamber member.