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MURI
EL BOWSER
MAYOR
May 15, 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 403 of the Human Rights Act of 1977,
effective December 7, 2004 (D.C. Law 15-216; D.C. Official Code § 2- 1404.03), I am pleased to
nominate the following individual:
Rev. Thomas Bowen
Morse Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(Ward 5)
for appointment as a member of the Commission on Human Rights, filling a vacant seat formerly held
by Lauren Lowery, for the remainder of an unexpired term to end December 31, 2026, and for a
subsequent term to end December 31, 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 earlies t consideration of this nomination for confirmation . Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and
Appointments, s hould t he Council r equire a dditional i nformation.
Sincerely,
Muriel B owser
Mayor
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A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
Chairman Phil Mendelson
at the request of the Mayor
IN TH E COUNCIL OF TH E DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
15 To confirm the appointment of Rev . Thomas Bowen as a member of the Commission on Human
16 Rights
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18 RESOLVED , BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA , That this
19 resolution may be cited as the "Commission on Human Rights Reverend Thomas Bowen
20 Confirmation Resolution of 2026".
21 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
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23 Rev . Thomas Bowen
24 Morse Street, NE
25 Washington, DC 20002
26 (Ward 5)
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28 as a member of the Commission on Human Rights, established by section 401 of the Human
29 Rights Act of 1977, effective December 7, 2004 (D.C. Law 15-216; D .C. Official Code§ 2-
30 1404.01), filling a vacant seat formerly held by Lauren Lowery, for the remainder of an
31 unexpired term to end December 31, 2026, and for a subsequent term to end December 31, 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 Office of the Mayor.
34 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
Rev. Thomas L. Bowen Resume, 1
THOMAS L. BOWEN
A nationally recognized executive with over 20 years of experience leading public engagement initiatives and advising
on social impact, corporate social responsibility, and religious affairs. As an accomplished ordained minister, thought
leader, and strategic communications professional, I excel in fostering collaboration across diverse cultures, genders,
and ethnicities, both domestically and internationally, to drive meaningful change and promote inclusion.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Fo
under & Chief Engagement Officer, EngageFaith
Washington, DC | January 2025 – Present
Launched a strategic consulting firm specializing in faith-based and Black community engagement. Lead national
initiatives that empower faith leaders, nonprofits, and institutions to leverage government resources, advance equity,
and navigate societal change. Offer expert guidance on public policy, community revitalization, and spiritual care.
Recognized as a religious affairs expert, representing clients at the intersection of faith and civic life.
Founding Partner, Black Diary 1887 LLC
Washington, DC | May 2025 – Present
Co-founded a cultural heritage and storytelling platform dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history through
curated content, experiences, and community partnerships. Spearhead strategic planning, partnership development, and
public engagement. Collaborate with institutions, influencers, and creatives to amplify untold stories and foster
intergenerational connections across the African American community.
Senior Advisor, Office of Public Engagement, The White House
Washington, DC | February 2024 to January 2025
As the Senior Advisor for the Office of Public Engagement in the Biden/Harris Administration, I led the
administration’s faith engagement initiatives. The focal point of my work included coordinating outreach efforts with
diverse faith communities to foster interfaith dialogue and building strategic partnerships to advance policy priorities.
In addition, I provided advice and counsel to senior White House officials to ensure the administration’s policies
resonate with and address the needs of faith-based organizations and communities.
Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice, Shiloh Baptist Church
Washington, DC | July 2002 to Present
Serves as the Associate Minister for Social Justice, which is responsible for guiding the civic engagement of the
congregation on local and national public policy issues of religious and moral importance. Informs and counsels the
Senior Pastor and lay leaders on policy priorities and ensures that the Social Justice Ministry participates in key activities
and programs. Provides pastoral care to members and mentorship to emerging ministries and lay leaders. Assists the
Senior Pastor with weekly worship services, leads congregational teach-ins, and promotes special church programs and
other activities that support growth and development, and church growth. Represents the church at denominational
conventions and meetings, such as the Progressive National Baptist Convention and the American Baptist Churches.
Director of African American Strategic Engagement, Executive Office of the Mayor
Washington, DC |October 2021 to February 2024
Served as both the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs (MORA) and the Mayor’s Office on African
American Affairs (MOAAA). Led an enhanced and coordinated community outreach and engagement efforts in the
Executive Office of the Mayor. Served as the primary liaison to the Commission on African American Affairs,
Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys, and the Mayor’s Interfaith Council. Oversaw MORA’s efforts to engage the
faith community to identify and resolve challenges and guide the MOAAA’s efforts to engage and expand the capacity
of community organizations and advise on policies and programs impacting African American communities.
Rev. Thomas L. Bowen Resume, 2
Director, Office of Religious Affairs, Executive Office of the Mayor
Washington, DC | June 2016 to February 2024
Served as a liaison to the faith community in the District of Columbia. Provided support to the Mayor's Interfaith
Council. Collaborated with the faith community to assess their concerns and needs. Facilitated public-private
partnerships that promoted government action and enhanced the program efficiency and effectiveness of the faith
community. Worked with the Metropolitan Police Department and the Office of Human Rights to ensure appropriate
responses to incidents of hate and bias.
Interim Executive Director, Office on African American Affairs, Executive Office of the Mayor
Washington, DC | November 2018 – March 2019 | September 2020 to October 2021
Served as an advocate for the needs of the District’s African American community in the areas of housing, health,
education, employment, social services, public safety, and business opportunities. Provided technical assistance to
community-based organizations in developing and submitting grant applications for programs and services
administered by the Office of the Mayor, the City Council, and other District government agencies.
Interim Executive Director, Commission on Fathers, Men, and Boys, Executive Office of the Mayor
Washington, DC | November 2018 – January 2019
Advised the Mayor, the Council, and the public on the social issues and needs of fathers, men, and boys in the District
of Columbia and the services available to support them.
Director, Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Outreach, Cover Communications
Washington, DC, December 2014 – June 2016
Served as a lead consultant and strategist for clients looking to build and implement their stakeholder engagement and
corporate social responsibility goals. Helped develop key messaging points to amplify their exemplary corporate citizen
commitment and increase their presence in the faith community and communities of color.
OTHER RELATED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Adjunct Preacher, Mount Zion Baptist Church of Oberlin, Ohio, 2021-Present
• Religion Editor, The Washington Informer, 2001-2003
• Senior Religious Advocate, Children’s Defense Fund, 2001 – 2003
• Associate Minister, The Third Baptist Church of Chicago, 1999-2001
• National Correspondent, PoliticallyBlack.com, 2000-2001
• Senior Field Organizer, Children’s Defense Fund/Black Community Crusade for Children, 1996-1999
• Executive Director, Midnight Basketball League of Lorain County Inc., 1995-1996
• Project Coordinator, The Urban Child Research Center at Cleveland State University, 1994-1995
• Elected Member and Vice-President, Elyria (OH) City Schools’ Board of Education, 1992-1996
• Assistant Director, Oberlin College Upward Bound Program, 1991-1994
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
Member, Board of Directors, Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, 2023-2024
Member, Socially Responsible Investment Advisory Council, American Baptist Home Mission Society,
2017-2024
Participant, Sojourners Thriving in Ministry Racialized Policing Cohort, 2019-2020
Participant, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Inaugural Advancing Racial Equity Cohort,
2019-2020
Inaugural Member, America Indivisible’s Public Leaders for Inclusion Council, 2019
Charter Member, Greater Washington Urban League Guild, 2017-Present
Member, Leadership Council, United Negro College Fund, Washington, 2017-2019
Board Member, Creation Justice Ministries, 2016-2019
Member, Board of Directors, United Black Fund, 2015-2017
Rev. Thomas L. Bowen Resume, 3
Member, African American Ministers Leadership Council of People for the American Way, 2012-2017
Panel Member, Washington Post on Faith/Local Panel, 2011-2013
Member, Board of Trustees, Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, 2004-2008
Founding Member, Board of Directors, The Jamestown Project, 2004
Board of Trustees Member, Lorain County Urban League, Inc., 1994-1996
Member, Ohio Council of Churches ’Task Force on African American Males, 1994-96
Member, Ohio Commission on African American Males ’Education Sub-Committee, 1993-1996
Member, City of Elyria Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, 1993-1996
EDUCATION
Co
ntinuing Education, Yale Divinity School, Divinity, New Haven, Connecticut
Additional Study, The University of Chicago – Divinity School, Divinity, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Arts, History, Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia
Ex
ecutive Office of the Mayor – Mayor’s Office of Talent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Th
omas L. Bowen
Mr.
Thomas L. Bowen is a nationally recognized executive with over 20
years of experience leading public engagement initiatives and advising
organizations on social impact, corporate social responsibility, and
religious affairs.
An ordained minister and strategic communications professional, Mr.
Bowen is widely respected for his ability to build bridges across cultures,
communities, and sectors to drive meaningful change and advance
inclusion.
Mr. Bowen currently serves as the Chief Engagement Officer of
EngageFaith, a consulting firm he founded in 2025. In this role, he leads
national initiatives that empower faith leaders, nonprofits, and institutions to advance equity and
navigate societal change. He is also a Founding Partner of Black Diary 1887, a platform dedicated
to preserving and celebrating Black history.
Previously, Mr. Bowen served as a Senior Advisor for Faith Engagement in the Biden-
Harris White House Office of Public Engagement, where he acted as a key liaison
between the administration and faith communities nationwide to advance justice- and
equity- centered initiatives.
Prior to his White House service, Mr. Bowen held senior leadership roles in DC Government ,
including leading the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs and the Mayor’s Office of
Religious Affairs.
A Ward 5 resident, Mr. Bowen earned his Bachelor Arts in History from Morehouse College and
completed additional study at the University of Chicago, as well as continuing education at the
Yale Divinity 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, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: January 15, 2026
Subject: Legal sufficiency review of a resolution appointing Rev. Thomas Bowen as a
member of the Commission on Human Rights
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