Team

Derek Ford

President & CEO

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biography

Derek Ford serves as the Partnership’s President & CEO, where he creates, defines, and executes strategic vision for emerging neighborhoods in the District.

He also serves as a liaison between WDCEP, DMPED, and the business and entrepreneurial communities. Previously, Mr Ford was Chairman of the DC Housing Finance Agency and a lobbyist/consultant for companies doing business in DC. Additionally, he serves on the Boards of: Community Family Life Services, African American Real Estate Professionals, NC A&T State University Board of Visitors, and the DC Democratic State Committee.

Chad Shuskey

Chief Operating Officer

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biography

Chad Shuskey serves as our Chief Operating Officer. In this role, he creates and oversees a cohesive strategic vision for the programs teams, setting strategic directions of the individual programs, and driving a research strategy that complements each program’s various needs. He collaborates with the CEO and other leadership, such as Operations, DMPED, and the Board, to set strategic direction of WDCEP for the fiscal year with a focus on existing programs and incorporating new initiatives. Chad took Japanese in high school and believes that you can be serious about your goal, but the journey can be fun.

Audrey Polk

Vice President of Corporate Attraction

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biography

Audrey Polk serves as our Vice President of Corporate Attraction, leading the strategy development and execution of business attraction efforts for WDCEP. Audrey brings years of experience, dedication, and expertise in economic development to the District of Columbia, having secured over 7,000 jobs and almost $2 billion in capital investment over her career. In her previous role, Audrey was instrumental in securing the LEGO Group’s $1 billion carbon-neutral manufacturing facility to Greater Richmond, Virginia, creating 1,760 jobs. In her free time, Audrey enjoys exploring DC with her fiancé and cavapoo, Roo, while searching for the perfect taco.  

Suzanne White

Vice President of Real Estate Services

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biography

Suzanne White serves as Vice President Real Estate Services where she is focused on identifying opportunities for corporate growth and attraction to DC. She will work closely with all key players in commercial real estate to help attract and grow DC’s corporate office tenancy. Suzanne brings more than 16 years of commercial real estate experience to WDCEP, representing both landlord and tenant clients in transactions that encompass all facets of commercial leasing. Suzanne was previously a Director at Newmark in DC, focused on landlord representation, and Vice President with CBRE in DC, focused on multi-market real estate portfolios in its Global Corporate Services Group. Suzanne started her career in brokerage after years as a reporter at the Washington Business Journal where she covered commercial real estate. Suzanne is active in her community as a volunteer at Miriam’s Kitchen and Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland. Suzanne holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University.

Kevin Morgan

Vice President of Tech Sector Attraction & Retention

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biography

Kevin Morgan is a former tech executive and always-entrepreneur with a bias towards taking action to build a thriving, successful, and diverse and inclusive tech and innovation economy in the District. He serves as our Director of Tech Sector Attraction & Retention As a liaison between WDCEP, DMPED, and the business and entrepreneurial communities, he established a reputation as a trusted partner and thought leader and develop relationships in the business communities in DC. Kevin also serves as the workforce subcommittee chair for the Mayor’s Innovation & Technology Inclusion Council (ITIC).

Lucy Fitzgerald

Director of People & Operations

Jez Kline

Director of Marketing & Communications

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biography

Jez Kline is a DC native, serving as our Director of Marketing & Communications. He helps create, define, and execute strategic vision for the Partnership’s marketing efforts and oversees the marketing department to maintain consistency throughout the organization.

Throughout his career, Jez has helped shape the brand identity of dozens of organizations, across many sectors. In his free time, he enjoys live music and following DC sports

Casey Kelley

Creative Director

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biography

 
Casey has experience in creative brand building & development with a retail franchise and oversaw creative needs for over 1,800 locations in the United States and Canada. He is new to DC, along with his girlfriend and two cats, and as an avid hockey and baseball fan is looking forward to seeing as many games in his spare time as he can.
 

Kathrine VanLiew

Director of Business Attraction

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biography

Kathrine VanLiew serves as the Director of Business Attraction, helping WDCEP draw new companies, jobs, and economic investments to Washington, DC. Kathrine is a passionate advocate for Washington, DC, and previously 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. The events she has helped bring to the District are estimated to generate over $100,000,000 in economic impact and create lifelong memories for DC residents and visitors. As an avid soccer fan, Kathrine is a season ticket holder for the Washington Spirit and DC United and loves catching a match at Audi Field!

Sarah Bashir

Operations Manager

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biography

Sarah assists in preparing, editing, and distributing correspondence, reports, studies, forms, and documents, and works collaboratively with other WDCEP team members in management of administrative needs and operations. Sarah has a background in design and product development and is looking to grow and learn more about business development in the nonprofit sector. She is new to the area and in her free time enjoys creating art.

Netanel Hutman

Research Analyst

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biography

Netanel Hutman is a Research Analyst with a passion for promoting sustainable and equitable economic development. With a background in technology and policy research, Netanel is enthusiastic about utilizing data science to empower communities to flourish. He conducts comprehensive industry, labor, and real estate research to facilitate business expansion in the District and support publications. In his free time, he is an avid biker and stand-up comedy fan.

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