BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MICHAEL HAVLIN

President & Board Member

Michael has a professional background in economics and public policy, with a long history of volunteer community organizing around economic and social justice issues. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in economics, and a master’s degree in public policy & administration. Over the years Michael has organized around issues such as the minimum wage, student rights for Iranian immigrants, and transportation equity. Michael lives in the Benning Ridge neighborhood of ward 7. He anxiously awaits the completion of the streetcar extension to Benning Road Metro so that he can use it to commute to work.

DELIA HOUSEAL

Vice President & Board Member

Dr. Delia Houseal is public health professional and ANC Commissioner for 7E06. She lives in Marshall Heights with her husband, three children, and chihuahua. Delia enjoys hiking, bird watching, and studying herbal medicine.

PATRICIA STAMPER

Secretary & Board Member

Patricia lives in the Deanwood neighborhood of ward 7. Patricia is an active community leader in Ward 7, is the Secretary of the Deanwood Citizens Association, and a member of Deanwood Citizens Association Economic Development Committee. Patricia is a strong-willed woman who firmly believes in building community from head to toe. She is very passionate about keeping her neighborhood clean and has adopted her block along with a nearby alley. Along with three of her neighbors Patricia created "Heart And Sole," a community based initiative that supports unhoused Ward 7 residents one Saturday a month. Patricia has a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies from Washington Adventist University, and a Master’s of Public Administration degree from Strayer University located in Washington DC.

GREYSON MANN

Treasurer & Board Member

Greyson Mann is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and the fourth generation of his family to live in the Benning neighborhood of Ward 7. He is passionate about promoting equity, ending historical injustices in Washington, D.C., and being a part of creating a thriving community East of the River.

Nelea Johnson

Board Member

Nelea Johnson is a native Washington, DC native, who recently moved back to the District of Columbia after spending many years in Maryland. Ms. Johnson’s upbringing has introduced her to the many genres, races, and backgrounds within various community settings, being raised as an ‘army brat’ in Germany and moving to the U.S. as a teenager has shaped her appreciation for the various culture as a whole. As a teen, she was criticized by classmates as being too intense about community activity, and general standards as an African-American female.

She was able to overcome the much hardship and negativity throughout her childhood and showcase her creative ability by working with local entertainment blogs in which she wrote about local DMV talent (writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs), in which she was able to express her views on the African-American youth, business, and entertainment entrepreneurship. With this experience, became a freelance writer with the DC Express Paper and the Washington City Paper. She has also obtained certificates in Canon Camera/Directing and Final Cut Pro through Greenbelt Access Television (GATe) public station, as well as, serving as a Board member of the GATe Board of Directors and Friends of DC Streetcar.

THOMAS PERRY

Board Member & Technical Advisor

With more than 25 years of industry tenure, Thomas has comprehensive experience in all phases of infrastructure development from planning to design to construction to post-construction commissioning. Thomas has worked on projects in San Francisco, New York City and Los Angeles. Thomas has a passion for infrastructure, as a tool to improve the lives of everyday people from all walks of life, especially in the District of Columbia. He has spent more than half of his career, working with and for clients within the District, helping to develop increased mobility and sustainable infrastructure that benefit stakeholders. Most notably he served as the former Program Manager for the engineering and construction of DC Streetcar. Thomas is a professional engineer registered in the District and has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Stanford University.

Qasim Shah

Savannah Ware

Board Member

Savannah is a Capitol Hill staffer with experience working for the Senate Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs committee, which legislates on transportation issues. She started her professional career as an intern for Congressman John Lewis where she discovered a passion for civil rights issues. She believes transportation creates accessibility, which in turn creates equity in our communities. She is a former Ward 7 resident who regularly uses the streetcar for personal and professional transportation. Savannah has a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Georgia where she focused her studies on community-based journalism, as well as political journalism.

Qasim is a resident of Trinidad neighborhood in Ward 5 and have been living there for over a decade. Qasim has over 15 years of experience in Financial, Operational, and Risk Management Audit and Compliance field in a large financial institution. Qasim is a strong advocate for Transportation Equity. Qasim lives with his wife, born and raised Washingtonian, and 2 kids who have been riding the DC Streetcar since they were born and look for to continue to ride the Streetcar, especially once it is extended as it was promised.

Ashley Ruff

Board Member

Ashley Ruff is a resident and Commissioner in ANC 7F, and president of the Fort Dupont Civic Association.