Team

Derek Ford serves as the Partnership’s President & CEO, where he leads efforts to promote business attraction, retention, and expansion, positioning DC as a global hub for innovation and investment. Since taking the role in November 2023, Ford has redefined WDCEP’s priorities to elevate business retention, connecting with over 1,100 companies in 10 months to strengthen DC’s commercial landscape and inform policy. A seasoned leader with experience in neighborhood revitalization, global economic development, and affordable housing, Ford previously served as WDCEP’s Senior Vice President of Neighborhood Development and as Chair of the DC Housing Finance Agency Board, where he oversaw $670 million in affordable housing investments. He also leads DC’s activation at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference, expanding the city’s retail footprint. A Ward 7 resident, Ford serves on the boards of AAREP-DC, CFLS, and Bright Beginnings, and holds a B.S. in Accounting from North Carolina A&T State University along with executive leadership certifications from The George Washington University and the Wharton School of Business.

With more than 20 years of economic development experience, Chad has successfully implemented business recruitment and retention programs, research projects, and the underlying strategies supporting these initiatives. Chad has facilitated more than four million SF of real estate transactions, including recruiting tenants such as Apple, Atlantic 10 Conference, Lidl, Planet Fitness, Tesla, Walmart, and Wegmans. In addition, Chad oversees the WDCEP’s research program, driving a strategy that complements the organization’s program goals. The DC Development Report and the DC Neighborhood Profiles have been recognized with an International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Excellence in Economic Development Award, and ESRI has given WDCEP’s economic development maps a Special Achievement in GIS award. As COO, he collaborates with the CEO and other leadership, such as Operations, DMPED, and the Board, to set the strategic direction of WDCEP. Chad is also active in numerous local professional organizations, including DCBIA, ICSC, and ULI.

Suzanne White serves as the Vice President of Real Estate Services, where she is dedicated to strengthening Washington, DC’s business ecosystem. Suzanne plays a pivotal role in attracting new corporations to the capital, utilizing her business development expertise, her deep network of private-sector decision makers, and more than 15 years of experience as a commercial real estate broker. In addition to business development and corporate attraction, Suzanne runs the WDCEP Retention Program, which is committed to opening new lines of communication and increasing the resources available to existing employers in DC.  Suzanne first moved to DC in 1999 to work as a reporter, and her deep understanding of market dynamics and love for the city fuels her commitment to its development and success.

For nearly two decades, Chris has been a trusted advisor to decision-makers in both the public and private sectors, leading high-priority economic development initiatives throughout the region. Recognized as an “economic development expert” by the Washington Business Journal, Chris is known for his skill in structuring large and complex performance-based incentives that drive critical government initiatives. His work has catalyzed billions of dollars in private sector investment and development. Chris employs a unique risk-adjusted approach to deal structuring, which government authorities have effectively utilized to strategically create economic impacts for public benefit and fiscal return on investment (ROI). He has extensive experience with Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs), Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), and developing customized incentives that support real estate development, attract large-scale tenants, and foster technology industry clusters. Having held several executive-level positions in both public and private sectors, Chris possesses a unique perspective on what motivates each side and how to effectively align their diverse needs within a collaborative framework. His achievements are highlighted by numerous awards for his service to the District government, including the Washington Business Journal’s “Minority Business Leader Honoree” for orchestrating one of DC’s largest ever incentive deals, as well as the “Game Changer” and “Best Real Estate Deals” awards for large technology sector attractions representing the DC government. Additionally, in 2015, Chris received the “McMillian Award” from Georgetown University for his contributions as a faculty member in the university’s distinguished Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate (MPRE) program, where he taught master’s students.

Kevin Morgan is a dedicated leader and entrepreneur in the tech and innovation space with more than 25 years of experience in the tech sector. As WDCEP’s Vice President of Tech Sector Attraction & Retention, Kevin is responsible for the attraction, retention, and expansion of tech companies in the District across all verticals, including securing the expansion of significant District tech unicorns such as Magbox, Afiniti, and FiscalNote, as well as supporting emerging tech companies like CaryHealth (INC 5000 #1 in DC, #2 for AI, and #82 overall), Sorcero, Everfi, and more. Kevin is also an active angel investor.

Kevin is an appointed member of Mayor Bowser’s Information & Technology Inclusion Council, Board Chair of BlockShop DC – DC’s first blockchain incubator, and Founding Member and Board Chair of the DC Tech & Venture Coalition, which runs DC Tech Meetup, written up by Inc. Magazine as the world’s biggest meetup group with over 28,000 members.

Previously, he led turnaround initiatives at tech and startup companies in San Francisco and on the East Coast, led project turnarounds on Capitol Hill, served as a nuclear energy analyst, and worked on Global Governance & Anti-Corruption initiatives at the World Bank. With a B.S. from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, Kevin leverages his extensive expertise to promote global innovation and support the tech ecosystem through his entrepreneurial ventures and nonprofit activities.

Jez Kline, a DC-native, brings extensive experience in brand strategy and identity development to his role as WDCEP’s Director of Marketing & Communications. Throughout his 15+ year career, he has helped shape the brand identities of dozens of organizations across many sectors—from tourism to healthcare and tech to theatre—always finding ways to unite design and strategy to achieve marketing and communication goals across all channels. At WDCEP, Jez oversees the department and leverages his local insights to create, define, and execute the strategic vision for the organization’s outreach efforts.

Casey Kelley brings over 15 years of experience in graphic design, brand building and development, project management, identity design, content creation, and more as Creative Director at the Washington DC Economic Partnership. Throughout his 15+ year career, he built up the brand and set the design direction of a men’s hair care franchise from under 600 locations to over 1,900 across both the United States and Canada, creating and directing materials for consumer advertisements, trade shows, conferences, television commercials, social and digital advertisements, influencer campaigns, NASCAR partnerships, and activations with teams in the NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS – just to name a few. At WDCEP, Casey uses his skills and knowledge to build the brand and profile of not only WDCEP, but Washington, DC itself, setting the visual direction for national and international attraction efforts and supporting the organization’s goals in new, creative, and innovative ways. He lives with his wife and two cats in the Brookland neighborhood of DC, is an avid hockey and baseball fan, and is always planning his and his fiancée’s next vacation.

Susan Burnett’s professional expertise spans 25+ years in financial management, HR operations, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. She has worked in numerous industries, including local and federal government, non-profit, consulting and the private sector.  In her current role as WDCEP’s Director of People & Operations, she is responsible for WDCEP’s operational and HR systems as well as providing expertise in policy development, grant program oversight, and stakeholder engagement. She is adept at fostering community partnerships and is known for delivering operational excellence. Susan holds a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, an MBA from LaSalle University and her Juris Doctorate from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law.  Susan is a proud resident of the District of Columbia.

Kathrine VanLiew is the Director of Business Attraction at the Washington DC Economic Partnership. In her role, Kathrine works with companies looking to establish an office presence in Washington, DC. She believes that her role is to be a resource and guide for businesses as they go through the complicated process of deciding where to locate their next office. Kathrine specializes in helping international companies set up their offices through the Washington DC Global Soft Landing Program. In her previous roles, Kathrine has worked to bring over 20 unique events to the city, including the 2024 Army-Navy Game, the 2023 NWSL Championship Game, the 2023 MLS All-Star Game, the 2023 BLAST Premier Spring Final, and the 2023-2024 NBA2K season. These events generated over $100,000,000 in economic impact for the District and create lifelong memories for DC residents and visitors. An avid explorer of the Washington, DC food scene, Kathrine loves to give guests recommendations on the can’t-miss spots when they’re in DC! Be sure to reach out to her and ask where you should go on your next visit!

Sarah Bashir, Senior Manager of Operations, brings a decade of experience in the fashion industry, previously serving as a Product Developer in New York City. She has a proven track record of partnering with cross-functional teams and engaging with stakeholders. Her diverse skill set includes project management and financial oversight, making her a valuable asset in operational leadership, working closely with leadership in grant management.

Angela Cordovez, is a 20+ year industry expert with a history of increasing value by building relationships, negotiating deals, and closing transactions in the commercial real estate industry. Her experience includes asset, facilities, and construction management. Angela earned Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Association (CREBA) “Sales Transaction of the Year” in the District and “Top 10 Developer/Landlord Agent of the Year” awards. She was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador and is fluent in Spanish. As Manager of Business Development, her primary responsibilities include, supporting the WDCEP team advance economic development through the retention & expansion of existing employers, with the overall goal of facilitating outcomes that increase DC’s job base, deliver private investment, and drive inclusive economic growth.