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M
URIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
March 31, 2026
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania 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 2 of the Commission on African-
American Affairs Establishment Act of 2012, effective March 14, 2012 (D.C. Law 19 -106; D.C.
Official Code § 3-1441), I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Mr. Paul Spires
8th Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(Ward 6)
for appointment as a public member of the Commission on African-American Affairs, filling a vacant
seat formerly held by LaTasha Gunnels, for the remainder of an unexpired term to end July 8, 2026,
and for a subsequent term to end July 8, 2029.
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 B owser
Mayor
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A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
airman Phil Mendelson
at the request of the Mayor
10 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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15 To confirm the appointment of Paul Spires to the Commission on African-American Affairs.
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17 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
18 resolution may be cited as the "Commission on African-American Affairs Paul Spires
19 Confirmation Resolution of 2026".
20 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
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22 Paul Spires
23 8th Street, NE
24 Washington, DC 20002
25 (Ward 6)
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27 as a public member of the Commission on African-American Affairs, established pursuant to
28 section 2 of the Commission on African-American Affairs Establishment Act of 2012, effective
29 March 14, 2012 (D.C. Law 19-106; D.C. Official Code§ 3-1441), filling a vacant seat formerly
30 held by La Tasha Gunnels, for the remainder of an unexpired term to end July 8, 2026, and for a
31 subsequent term to end July 8, 2029.
32 Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
33 upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Mayor.
34 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Paul S. Spires
PROFILE
➢Global Program Management: with over twenty years of experience specializing in world-wide talent,
learning and organizational development; including student exchanges in Cuba and Mexico. Offering an
array of skills in optimizing organizational design, cross-functional collaboration, spearheading learning
initiatives and evaluating their effectiveness.
➢Effective Communicator: Works well with management staff and personnel at all levels. Equally
comfortable dealing with customers, vendors, and the public.
➢Computer-Literate: Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook, Bright MLS, Dotloop and
Zipforms. Proven ability to quickly learn new technologies.
➢Accurate and Detail Oriented: Proven ability to initiate and accomplish tasks independently. Solid skills
in multitasking and time management. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
SKILLS
*Business Assessment * Policy Development
*Financial Management * Organizational Leadership *Program Evaluation * Process
Development *Strategic Planning & Partnership * Project Management
*Instructional Design * Training Development/Management *Change Management *
Communication Management *Economic/Business Case Development * Process Improvement
*Curriculum Development * Mentoring
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
• R esident Music Instructor/John Phillip Sousa Middle School – Ward 7 (Current): Educate students
about the fundamental concepts of music theory such as rhythm, melody, pitch and tempo. They conduct
exercises like vocalization, harmonizing, singing, and playing musical instruments. They may also lead
rehearsals in preparation for the school's musical performances.
• “H Street Art All Night” 2024 – Ward 6 (Current): Providing technical assistance to the Department of Small
& Local Business Development, under the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities to ensure maximum
community and business participation through fault-free functionality. Developed a business plan for which
organizations should participate in the event. As a result, I have solidified over ten (10) businesses and
entrepreneurs are confirmed attendance and participated in the event and will ensure all required resources
are available for each participant.
• Organizer and Host of “Hakuna Matata Opening” – Ward 6A (July 2024): Organized a restaurant
opening and tasting events for the residents of Ward 6A. Restaurants play a major role in our economy,
contributing to the vibrancy of our commercial corridors and the diversity of our city. My main priority is to
respond, advise and connect small businesses on the H street corridor to help them stay in business.
• Consultant “Art All Night” (2020-2024) – All Wards: Served as consultant throughout the Washington, DC
corridors. I organized community and small business support for this event by maximizing resources
through fundraising and marketing. As a result, throughout the years, some of the participating Main Street
programs reported a spike in popularity from previous years: “Dupont Circle saw a 16% increase in
attendance, Woodley Park brought out 75% more guests from last year” according to DC’s Department of
Small and Local Business Development.
• “Destination Congress Heights”: Assisted this community’s program with providing a listing startup small
business the opportunity to participate in this event. Responsible for marketing and program preparation.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Deanwood Heights Main Street, Program Manager, Washington DC March 2024-Present
The Deanwood Heights Main Street Program Manager is a full-time position, responsible for the successful
development and implementation of the designated Main Street corridor. This position is responsible for the
programmatic activities required by the designated Main Street grant awarded by the Department of Small and Local
Business Development (DSLBD). This is an in-person job that requires some night and weekend work. They report to
the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization in Ward 7 and develop and maintain a deep knowledge
of the local business landscape of the Main Street corridor, relevant policy issues, technical assistance programs, and
the approved work plan in pursuit of MHCDO’s and Main Street America’s mission. In partnership with the MHCDO,
they are responsible for the management and development of relationships with key stakeholders in the corridor to
include business owners, residents, nonprofit leaders, government leaders, and community leaders.
A
NC Commissioner 6A01 January 2024-November 2024
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners are unpaid, non-partisan elected officials who are charged with representing
the 2,000 or so residents who live in what are known as single-member districts. They serve as something of a bridge
between normal people (and their everyday concerns and complaints) and the D.C. government at large.
ANC 6A Community Outreach Committee, Washington DC
Chai
rman July 2024 –November 2025
F
acilitate, coordinate, and communicate, ensuring that committee members are actively engaged in the achievement
of committee’s goals and workplans. In collaboration with the ANC Chair and committee members, actively
participates in the work of the committee, provides thoughtful input to deliberations, focuses on the best interests of
the community and its residents (rather than personal or constituent interests), and works toward committee
accomplishment of the goals as described in the strategic plan.
• Provide guidance to the ANC 6A so that they succeed in Chair position.
• Conduct a monthly or other regularly scheduled Committee meetings to communicate with members to
ensure that volunteer obligations are fulfilled.
• Establish a community outreach effort for ANC 6A
• Identify opportunities and interest in a community project.
• Develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies to maintain the outreach Effort. •
Identify professionals that can support and nourish the community outreach program. •
Represents the ANC 6A COC and Communicates regarding goals to the community. •
Advertises volunteer opportunities to community members.
• D evelop agenda for each committee meeting.
• Conduct meetings, whether online or in person.
• Review meeting minutes and distribute.
• Attend meetings (in person and conference calls), generally including regularly scheduled committee
meetings, monthly All Committee Meetings, Board Meetings (by phone).
• In addition, complete the logistical tasks associated with overseeing a committee, and complete your own
committee projects.
• Review all relevant material prior to the meetings. Prepares, in advance, to make contributions, facilitate
discussions, and voice objective opinions concerning the group’s issues and activities.
• Develop projects within committees that will further the goals and objectives of the community.
USA Guided Tours, Washington DC
Tour Guide/Driver January 2023 – Present
Familiarized people with the history, functions, and customs of a particular region or establishment. Though
customers typically include foreigners on vacation, virtually any person can attend a tour.
• Greeting and welcoming customers to the tour.
• Informing customers about the itinerary for each tour.
• Planning itineraries in accordance with weather forecasts and the length of each tour.
• Scheduling visits and purchasing tickets to museums, galleries, protected parks, and other attractions ahead
of time, if required.
• Planning alternate activities in the event that cancellations, closures, or weather prohibit you from
attending scheduled events.
• Gathering and maintaining the requisite equipment for each tour.
• Familiarizing yourself with the layout and history of the region or establishment in which you will be
working. • Familiarizing customers with each region or establishment.
• Encouraging guests to apply sunscreen regularly and to remain hydrated, if applicable.
• Directing customers to other, noncompeting services that might be of interest to them.
• Transport guests along prescribed tour routes
• Throughout shift, maintain a clean and mechanically-sound bus
• Obey all traffic laws
• Perform inspections of the bus before and after each route (following Checklists)
• Ensure safety of all guests, students, etc.
• Keep Fleet Manager apprised of any issues - with vehicles, guests, etc.
• A ttend scheduled safety, and other meetings
Fareryder, Washington D.C
Operations Director April 2020 - 2023
Provided strategic guidance, managed daily operations and ensured that the company was working efficiently as
possible to meet its objectives. Responsible for daily functioning of the eco-friendly rideshare application. Initiated the
planning and execution of operations logistics and provide high quality customer service to riders. Defined,
implemented and revised drivers’ operational policies. Developed and executed new growth directives for ride
shares. Worked with the human resources department to create job descriptions, hire competent personnel and
drivers, and responsible for the employee training program. Monitored company revenue margins and conducting
budget reviews to maximize profits.
• Oversaw client support services
• Onboarded drivers and organize driver schedules
• Operated the rideshare application on a daily and nightly basis
• Developed troubleshooting mechanisms to problems and provided solutions to customers concerns •
Organized vehicle maintenance, usage, appointments, and availability
• Promoted Fareryder via social media platforms
• Created partnerships with local organizations to heighten rideshare requests.
• Managed procurement and resource allocation
EV Fleet, Indiana-Wash ington D.C
Potomac Regional Director April 2020 – September 2021
Responsible for oversight and completion of new leasing agreements between clients and EV fleet, ensuring
consistent service standards and operational efficiency across all sites. As a Director of managers, empowered and
mentored direct reports to create a high-performing culture throughout the region. Directed and controlled all fleet
operations, including maintenance, repair, and reconditioning of vehicles. Oversaw in-fleeting of new/used vehicles
into the rental fleet and de-fleeting vehicles for sale, auction, or other alternative channels. Optimized the budget for
the fleet services function across a wide geographic region. Forecast, budget, and manage key financial drivers,
including labor costs, warranty recovery, and cost per estimate and deletion.
Strat
egic Leadership: Identified and developed opportunities for process improvement and operational efficiencies.
Developed, implemented, and communicated operating plans to maximize fleet utilization and met business
objectives.
Performance Management: Set, communicated, monitored, and updated goals for key performance indicators
(KPIs) on a regular basis. This included technician productivity, vehicle out-of-service rates, overdue idle cars, vendor
cycle time, days to deletion, and venue quality average grades.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Partnered with key fleet, field operations, and other leaders to align on business
goals and drive collective success across functions.
Managed key functions such as:
• Infleet/Defleet: Prepare vehicles for sale and integrate new vehicles into the fleet.
• Maintenance and Service: Oversee oil changes, tire services, engine diagnostics, and repairs, ensuring all
recall services are conducted on-site at Avis locations. Build and manage parts inventory while controlling
parts costs.
• Collision/Damage: Manage warranty work, write damage estimates, and control vehicle downtime. Ensure
timely and quality repairs through effective vendor management.
District Soulfood Restaurant & Cigar Lounge, Washington, D.C
Live M
usic Events Director October 2019 - January 2021
Committed to the recruitment of bands for performances 4 days a week to create a musical environment similar to
the Harlem Renaissance.
• Provided management with band names, performance dates & times, and special requests •
Hired and managed a sound company and audio engineer
• Promotee live music events on social media
• Served as host for events and organized musicians
• Responsible for the lighting operation
Public Allies, Inc., Washington, DC
Youth Associate February 2013 – October 2013
• I mplemented and developed and educational activities as well as supervision for the safety and welfare
children at multicultural child care center, Mommies TLC, located in Washington, D.C.
• Maintained educational materials and recreational gear inventories for the center.
• Assisted with scheduling, activities and engagement at the Summer Safe Haven Program • Administered
and aided classroom teaching staff in implementation and student participation. • Performed basic
administrative functions and chaperone duties including processing of parental authorization as well as
transportation and supervision for educational field trips and outdoor activities.
Metro Teen AIDS (MTA), Washington, DC
Youth Center Associate & Youth Health Educator May 2010 – October 2012
• R esponsible for development and administration duties for youth educational programming and outreach
events, including expansion of after school programs and greatly increasing attendance and membership of
young people learning life skills, engaging in educational health activities of youth centers with
programming geared toward at-risk youth in the Washington, DC region.
• Implemented components of a youth leadership model in the Freestyle Youth Center of MTA, including
recruitment efforts to ensure consistent, diverse membership and assisted with development of educational
outreach programs and activities as well as scheduling at MTA’s Freestyle Youth Center located in
Washington, D.C.
• Represented MTA at special events, rallies, fundraising and charitable functions such as the annual
International Conference on Stigma held at Howard University and the Congressional Black Caucus
conferences.
• Promoted and administered programming to increase awareness of health information, training
opportunities, HIV/STI/pregnancy testing and mental health counseling.
• Produced updates and advertising regarding Freestyle Youth Center activities and events for social media
outreach which appeared on Facebook, YouTube, the MTA website and other internet outlets. • Served as
event host/performer as well as lecturer at youth center’s regularly scheduled programming and well-attended
weekly open mic platform for youth to express their learned life skills and prevention knowledge through
various artistic formats.
Real Talk DC, Washington DC
Representative May 2009 - May 2010
• I mplementation of Real Talk DC/MTA educational protocols and peer mediation at outreach campaigns
geared toward youth utilizing musical and dramatic performances and information dissemination via
community, college and summer youth programs.
• Participated as master of ceremonies for Real Talk DC/MTA special events, weekly outreach activities and
performances at the youth center which featured local musical groups and also involved information
dissemination, health screenings, and more.
• Hosted weekly summer youth outreach and other special events throughout metropolitan Washington,
D.C. in collaboration with various local government and non-profit organizations to promote higher
education matriculation and increase HIV/AIDS STI prevention, sexual and mental health.
• Represented MTA as featured panelist at the 2009 Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), moderated by Essence Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Angela Burt-Murray
and Black Entertainment Television (BET) political commentator, Jeff Johnson.
Team Champions, Inc., Washington, DC
PR Representative, VP Anacostia HS Chapter October 2007 - November 2009
• S pokesperson and promoter for Team Champions, Inc. and its mission of educational outreach to inner
city youth, especially Anacostia High School in Washington, DC and Bladensburg High School in
Maryland.
• Served as host for weekly summer series in collaboration with regional non-profit organizations, local
government youth outreach programs, including collaborations with the Washington Wizards, local radio
stations and Dream Keepers, Bladensburg High School (MD).
• Writer and performer of teen smoking cessation commercial ad, in collaboration with American Lung
Association (ALA), D.C. Tobacco Free Families (DCTFF) and Team Champions Inc., which was
televised nationally on CW50, BET, TVOne, VH1.
EDUCATION
University of the District of Columbia/WDLL, Hospitality & Tourism Certification Summer/Fall 2023
Arlington Independent Media, Arlington, VA (Media, Radio Production), Prince George's Community College,
Largo, M
D (Major: Communications) - Fall 2008/Spring 2009
Anacostia Senior High School, Washington, DC - Graduate, June 2008
E
xecutive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
P
aul Spires
M
r. Paul Spires is a District of Columbia native deeply involved in civic
life and community advocacy. A third-generation Washingtonian, he is a
civic leader in Washington, DC, rooted in community outreach, public
safety advocacy, and neighborhood development.
Mr. Spires most recently served as ANC Commission in District 6A01
and is currently Chair of the Anacostia Business Improvement District
ACEE Council’s Tourism and Destination Marketing Committee. He also
serves as Program Manager at Deanwood Heights Main Street. Prior to
that, Mr. Spires was a tour guide with USA Guided Tours.
A Ward 6 resident, Mr. Spires earned his high school diploma from
Anacostia Senior High School.
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, Steven Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: March 25, 2026
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of a resolution appointing public members to the
Commission on African-American Affairs
This is to Certify that this office has reviewed the above-referenced Resolutions and
found them to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Kimberly Ulan, Associate General Counsel, Executive Office of the Mayor, at
202-727-2292, or me at 202-724-7681.
______________________________
Elizabeth Cavendish