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MU
RIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
February 28, 2025
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Colu mbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvani a Avenue , NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mendelson:
In accordance with section 2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142; D.C. Official Code § 1- 523.01), and pursuant to section 3 of the Office of District Waterways
Management Establishment Act of 2022, effective March 22, 2023 (D.C. Law 24- 336; D.C. Official
Code § 8–191.02), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Mr. Darryl Madden
Wharf Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
(Ward 6)
for appointment as an individua l with experience in public safety member of the District Waterways
Advisory Commission, filling a new seat, for a term to end December 1, 2028.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-m entioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council’s earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
Sincerely,
Muriel Bowser
Mayor
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-:tit~ ~ Phil Mendelson
at the request of the Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the appointment of Darryl Madden to the District Waterways Advisory Commission.
RESOLVED , BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the "District Waterways Advisory Commission Darryl Madden
Confimrntion Resolution of 2025".
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confoms the appointment of:
Darryl Madden
Wharf Street, SW
Washington, DC 20024
(Ward 6)
as an individual with experience in public safety member of the District Waterways Advisory
Commission, established by section 3 of the Office of District Waterways Management
Establishment Act of 2022, effective March 22, 2023 (D.C. Law 24-336; D.C. Official Code§
8-191.02), filling a new seat, for a tenn of four years.
Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor.
Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect imm ediately.
DARRYL J. MADDEN
Communications Strategy Development / Media Relations
Innovation / Process Improvement
Profile
An accomplished, results-driven communications and public relations director within the
emergency management community with a proven track record of leading both public and
private sector organizations by managing effective strategies in support of mission priorities.
A proven solution-driven leader who has managed one of the U.S. government's largest
engagement and stakeholder groups as head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Ready Campaign working to build community preparedness and individual resiliency.
Held several senior communications posts at the local and federal levels. Having held media
relations positions with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of the
Inspector General. He has also worked as the lead project contractor with the U.S. Department
of Commerce managing the communications rollout of FirstNet, the nation's mission to deploy
and operate the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public
safety.
Led multi-million-dollar media and digital campaigns that measure impact, lead stakeholder
engagement, and evaluate reputation management.
Successfully written, reviewed, and oversaw the production of a variety of on-point, well-
organized products including press releases, Op-eds, briefing papers, public remarks,
executive-level correspondence, and presentations.
Signature Achievements
❖ Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government (HKS) Senior Executive Fellow
❖ Managing communications and outreach effort for a $7B economic injury relief program
❖ Former Director of FEMA’s International Ready Campaign on Emergency Preparedness
❖ Silver Bell and Gold Bell national excellence award for PSA creation
❖ Recognized by the President of the United States for Outstanding Service during
Haitian Earthquake
❖ FEMA Administrator’s Meritorious Service Award
❖ Oversaw the largest multilingual external webpage of the federal government Ready.gov
presented in 14 languages
❖ Headed a digital media campaign that surpassed $1B donated placements
❖ Coordinated international digital media strategy on co-branded campaigns with Disney,
Duracell, and Warner Bros.
❖ Led agency-wide communication internal campaign to promote integrity and compliance
❖ Successfully coordinated over +30 public-facing media events for POTUS, White House /
Cabinet-level personnel
❖ Project managed $60M Blanket Purchase Authority (BPA) for communications support for
the U.S. Dept. of Commerce
Professional Experience
Emergency Management External Affairs Association, Chief Financial Officer & Member,
Board of Directors, August 2023 to present
Responsible for the Association’s overall financial health, which included oversight and
management of the Finance Committee in its reporting and ensuring compliance with
regulations. Provides executive direction in the development and management of the
Association’s budgets financial plans including forecasting of revenue and expenses and
creating financial statements and the management of cash flow.
As a member of the Board of Directors, track the progress of mission goals. Promoting the
organization by representing EMEAA's mission and goals to the industry groups and
stakeholders, external partners, and the emergency management community. Engage in
appearances at public events to raise the organization's profile.
Work with the executive committee on strategic planning and identification of performance
measures, overall performance, future direction, and governance framework.
U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of the Administrator, Senior Advisor (detail),
(SL-0301-00), June 1, 2021, to August 2023, 45-55 hrs/wk
Under the general direction of the Chief of Staff to the Administrator, responsible for the
facilitation of management and coordination of the overall communications strategy for the
Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL). Advises on the strengthen and
weakness of proposed policy announcements. Conducts the planning, organizing, and
evaluation of communications products and outcomes, programs, and personnel.
❖ Presently, spearheading the agency administrator’s communication and outreach targeted
effort related to the $7B COVID EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) program funded by
the CARES Act.
❖ Serving as the Office of the Administrator point person on the communications rollout of the
$100M Community Navigator Pilot Program authorized under the American Rescue Plan
designed to reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often
face in accessing the programs need to recover, grow, or start their businesses.
❖ Accountable for the contribution of intellectual, technical, and logistical expertise to the
strategic and operational planning to the overall Office of the Administrator and the OCPL
the branch responsible for initiating, coordinating, and monitoring key communication
processes, activities, and issues to include editing of press releases, Op-eds, and all public
statements.
❖ Ensures coordination among internal stakeholders to validate consistency of internal and
external messaging.
❖ Provides strategic advice and support to the Assistant Administrator for OCPL in the areas
of personnel development, mentoring, work performance and discipline. Also offers
guidance on areas of research, messaging development and project management.
❖ Responsible for maintaining a high-level overview of the agency’s communications products
and content. This includes the oversight of the development of internal communications
rollouts and internal messaging in consultation with the Director of Communications and the
Chief Human Capital Officer.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General,
Deputy Director, Communications & Media Relations, May 2016 – June 1, 2021 (GS-1035-
14) 55 hrs/wk
Responsible for the daily management of the agency’s public affairs - media relations
operations and served as the spokesperson for the Presidentially Appointed Senate (PAS)
confirmed Inspector General (IG). Provided extensive management of highly complex internal
and external communications programs and strategies related to federal housing and industry
market financing. Familiar with related work on Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act, Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008, Protecting American
Taxpayers and Homeowners Act, and the Housing Finance Reform and Taxpayer Protection
Act. Aware of housing finance policy and the secondary mortgage market of financial
institutions. Duties include the development of background information (e.g., issue statements,
questions, and answers, talking points, key messages, and position papers) to support
communication-related activities of the executive staff.
❖ Performed the duties of the public affairs lead overseeing the planning and execution of all
significant media relations efforts. Managed daily engagement with local, regional, national,
and international news outlets (TV, radio, Internet, and print) on sensitive matters relating to
the agency. Coordinated and/or approved information for public release, ensuring accuracy,
clarity, completeness, and timeliness consistent with agency policies, to include
conformance with all federal standard information security regulations.
❖ Worked collaboratively with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development public
affairs and regional communication director, and Congressional Affairs personnel on related
issues. Responsible for the creation and implementation of a planned, multi-faceted
communications program designed to build and strengthen the office's role and reputation
as a thought leader and authoritative voice on public policies. Served as the
communications advisor on all activities directed to internal and external audiences through
strategic outreach and stakeholder engagement.
❖ Oversaw the development, coordination, and dissemination of graphics, print, electronic,
and web-based materials to include management of its external web and social media
presence as a part of an all-encompassing digital strategy.
❖ Lead the agency’s implementation and rollout of key internal campaigns that promoted the
agency's Core Values campaign and reinforcement of the office's code of conduct.
❖ Worked in the recruitment and professional development of junior staff to promote and
educate to create a best practices culture within the public affairs team and through career
mentoring.
❖ Supported senior leadership through the vetting of all public speaking requests and the
subsequent planning and drafting of all public statements and testimonies.
❖ Responsible for maintaining effective working relationships with various high-level
individuals, including legislative and executive agencies, to ensure strategic relationships
with non-government organizations, major corporations, and industry stakeholder groups.
Aegis Solutions Group, LLC, Washington, DC
Principal, October 2015 – May 2016 (70 hr/ week)
Consulting engagement with clients across communications, business disaster resiliency,
emergency preparedness, and government affairs sectors. Interface with C-level decision-
makers within client organizations to gather, analyze, and translate needs into targeted
solutions. I spearheaded multiple efforts either serving as or providing spokesperson/subject
matter experts for communication engagement strategies for addressing multiple topics
involving complex and/or controversial topics. Executing on an array of functions, including
business development, contract negotiations, and client retention efforts.
IMRI, Federal Sector, Washington, DC, January 2014 – October 2015
Executive Director (50-55 hrs wk)
Served as the project manager developing and implementing public affairs policies, guidance,
and procedures to generate awareness and educate the public through information provided to
the news media about the company's mission and objectives to deploy, operate, and maintain
the first high-speed, nationwide wireless broadband network dedicated to public safety, FirstNet.
❖ Directed overall management to include fiscal oversight and reporting; marketing,
communications, and business development efforts for National Capital Region serving as
senior contract project manager for FirstNet in support of CTO.
❖ Senior Project Manager for $60M communications support effort (U.S. Department of
Commerce). Developed and executed long-range communications, strategic planning, and
outreach execution at FirstNet headquarters. Supported independent authority's mission to
build, test, and operate the country's first high-speed nationwide $7B broadband network
dedicated solely to first responders and medical service professionals.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, HQ, Washington, DC, April 2010 – January
2014
Director, Emergency Preparedness Communication (GS-1035-15)
Deputy Director for Strategic Communications (50-60hrs wk)
Successfully championed and managed a multi-dimensional international federally based
communications campaign that promoted emergency preparedness and self-sustainability, The
Ready Campaign. The campaign utilized an all-facet approach that encourages individuals to
engage in a change-behavior effort that promotes increased national preparedness in the face
of natural and man-made disasters. The Campaign is a direct Congressional appropriation and
requires interaction with Congressional members and staff to articulate the Return of Investment
(ROI) of the effort.
❖ Managed all aspects of the campaign to include product fulfillment that included Public
Service Announcements (PSA), press releases, op-ed articles, brochures, photos, and on-
line the content. Supervised the digital marketing of social media platforms to include media
relations, web design, social media outreach. Developed and steered the campaign's overall
strategic objectives in line with senior agency management. Spearheaded social media
efforts captured 75% growth in followers from 20k to 83k+.
❖ Enabled launch of 20+ major multimedia promotions with film studios and television
networks including Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Discovery Communications, Disney
Channel and NBCUniversal. During my tenure, we gained more than $1B in donated media
from across all multimedia outlets. A major aspect of the campaign was measuring success,
to that end, we collected and analyzed output performance metrics and evaluated
communication outreach. This assisted us greatly in building and maintaining effective
working relationships with stakeholders, other federal agencies, and media outlets.
❖ Collaborated with the White House, U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the
coordination of the federal government’s largest stakeholder engagement group in support
of National Preparedness Month. Created presidential citation, managing engagement and
participation of all other federal agencies
❖ Empowered to work across the span of all federal agencies to adopt annual themes and to
promote preparedness through our campaign products and events.
❖ Managed largest federal coalitions that encompassed state, territorial, tribal, and local
governments and included faith-based and private sector organizations.
❖ Have successfully created and maintained professional networks and coalitions to develop
and implement the agency’s objective. This included gaining support and commitment from
key stakeholders and developing consensus among individuals and groups with conflicting
goals and interests.
❖ Supervised and professionally developed a diverse workforce to include those with access
and functional needs. Managed career staff and contractors work cohesively and stressed
professional development. Utilized the proficiency of managing core competencies related
to multi-year planning.
❖ Responsible for the recruitment and management of the communications team that included
FTEs and contract support. Planned human resources to meet requirements and perform
discipline as appropriately warranted. Rewarded initiative and creativity. Solved problems
by anticipating, diagnosing, and analyzing facts to reach a conclusion and path forward.
Enforced performance standards by communicating expectations, monitoring productivity
and accountability. Ensured quality control by monitoring the integrity of work performed.
Ensured fair and transparent workplace. Leading People
❖ Demonstrated respect for differing opinions by exercising objectivity and consideration for
other ideas. Implemented improvement of current business processes and work quality
through innovation and continuous development. Motivated and provided direction with
constructive feedback and coaching and created a work environment that fosters creativity
and integrity.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, HQ, Washington, DC
October 2009 – April 2010
Branch Chief, Office of External Affairs (GS-0301-14) (50-60hr/wk)
Performed diligent research and produced written products that articulated, interpreted and
explained highly complex issues related to DHS & FEMA programs and activities. Business
Acumen
❖ Planned and formulated policies, programs and procedures governing information
dissemination functions. Identified and capitalized on avenues for broadcasting information
to the public. Established and maintained effective working relationships with national and
international media representatives. Building Coalitions
❖ Developed, edited, and distributed informational materials designed to reach diversified
audiences.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, Headquarters, Washington, DC
May 2009 – April 2010
Acting External Affairs Lead, National Incident Management Assistant Team (GS-0301-14)
(40-50 hr/wk)
Served as the senior External Affairs Officer assigned to the presidentially appointed Federal
Coordination Officer IMAT General Staff managing all federal responses efforts with Federal,
State, Tribal, territorial and local agencies, political offices and private sector entities. Building
Coalitions, Leading People
❖ Provided public affairs counsel and spokesperson functions during high profile Level I
disasters involving massive levels and breadth of damage with severe impact or multi-state
scope. Results Driven
❖ Responsibilities include coordinating media relations, elected officials, private sector
organizations, incident personnel, and other agencies and organizations. Leading Change
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, HQ, Washington, DC, June 2007 – October
2009
External Affairs Lead, Intergovernmental Affairs (GS-0301-14) (45-55 hrs/wk)
Planned, organized, and conducted briefings and information exchange opportunities with
various external stakeholders across government agencies. Guided development of policies and
position papers. Facilitated Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning, budgeting, and strategic
planning development. Supported intergovernmental services to external interest groups.
Seamlessly handled concurrent special projects on behalf of the director.
❖ Developed, recommended, and implemented proactive long and short-term strategies for
intergovernmental activities.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA HQ, Washington, DC
November 2006 – June 2007
Public Outreach Coordinator, Office of External Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs
(GS-0301-14) 45-55 hrs/wk
Architect of the public outreach function to support the agency's overall external affairs
operation while working with traditionally underserved populations.
❖ A developed responsive outreach program to catalyze partnerships with businesses, trade
associations, communities, and universities. Delivered external presentations on agency
actions and policies.
❖ Key liaison to other federal departments and key personnel. Planned and executed business
development meetings with the business sector and the nonprofit community.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, Baton Rouge/New Orleans, LA, March 2006
– November 2006
Press Secretary, Gulf Coast Recovery Office (GS-1035-14) (60-70hrs/wk)
Developed and coordinated public affairs strategies for the dissemination of information on
DHS/FEMA disaster recovery programs and activities. Served as the external relations officer
covering the Gulf Coast states during the U.S. government's efforts during the Hurricane Katrina
recovery.
❖ delivered emergency and non-emergency information programs to state and local
government officials, the public, the news media, the emergency management community,
and other target groups.
❖ planned, implemented, and evaluated public information and outreach campaigns designed
to communicate critical recovery information about agency programs and policies. Advised
senior management, section leads, and program staff in identifying opportunities and
communicating program information. Ensures that all information provided is accurate and
complete and is authorized for disclosure.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, Washington, DC, October 2005 – March
2006
Media Relations Officer, Office of Public Affairs (50-60 hrs/wk)
Served as a public affairs officer responsible for the dissemination of information to the media
outlets, state and local governments, public and private agencies. Responsible for pitching of
media storylines that supports the agency's mission. I have worked on strategies to
development and implementation of campaigns designed to influence public opinion and served
as media relations/general information officer for New Orleans Area Field Office during the
response to Hurricane Katrina.
The Trident Group, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland/Washington, DC, 2005 – 2006
Chief Operations Officer | Managing Partner (60-70hrs/wk)
Promoted to COO in 2004 over 100+ employees and independent contractors providing
services in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Directed multidisciplinary teams across business
development, sales, operations, public relations, and corporate affairs. Enabled 5-year revenue
growth of 45% by creating added-value branding messages for a specialized market. Provided
open event coordination of security services Iraqi National Elections for the Northeast region
polling center. Contributor on international consulting projects at the request of the Royal Thai
Government and the Italian Embassy, Washington, DC.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Office of Public Safety, Office of the Mayor, Washington,
DC
1998 – 2005
Director of Communications & Press Secretary (50-60hrs/wk)
Oversaw execution of the department's comprehensive strategic communications plan, public
events, public appearances, and media relationship development. Cultivated and strengthened
relationships with national media. Streamlined operations by reorganizing communications
office processes. Created media coordination center that eliminated dependency on outside
contractors and served as an emergency operations center for the entire agency during the 9-
11.
❖ Initiated implementation of Victim's Information Network Everyday (VINE), a community-
based information system providing virtual real-time information that cost-effectively
enhances public safety.
CITY OF BALTIMORE, OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Baltimore, Maryland
1992 – 1998
❖ Special Assistant to the Mayor - Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
❖ Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Legislative and public policy analyst issues for public safety and law enforcement and criminal
detention issues. Prepared and delivered testimony in a variety of various public forums.
Marshaled $100M annual operating budget and $50M annual capital expenditures request
through the Maryland General Assembly.
Education
❖ Harvard University John F. Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow
❖ The University of Texas A&M, Certificate in Homeland Security
❖ University of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland B.S.
Professional Affiliations
❖ Federal Commissioner, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin
❖ Member, Board of Directors, Emergency Management External Affairs Assoc.
❖ Past Commodore and current Bridge Member, Port of Washington Yacht Club
❖ Member, Capital Yacht Club, Washington, DC
❖ Volunteer Martha’s Kitchen
Executive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Darryl Madden
Mr. Darryl Madden is a decisive, audience -minded strategy
communications executive with extensive experience developing and
directing strategic campaigns across federal, state, and local agencies. He
possesses a proven record driving high-visibility communications
initiatives for major platforms, including film, television, and social
media. He is skilled at leading engaging communications strategies that
lockstep across organizational lines and leadership levels in the homeland
security, crisis management and emergency preparedness practice areas.
A Ward 6 resident, Mr. Madden earned his Bachelor of Science from the
University of Baltimore and earned a Certificate in Homeland Security
from University of Texas A&M.
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
______________________________________________________________________________
The John A. Wilson Building • 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW • Suite 300 • Washington, D.C. 20004 • Office (202) 724-7681
To: Kimberly A. Bassett, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: February 19, 2025
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of a resolution appointing Darryl Madden as a member
of the District Waterways Advisory Commission
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced resolution and
found it to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Michael Porcello, Deputy General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at
202-727-0872, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth Cavendish