With every ending comes a new beginning.

The time has come to say goodbye to DC Government and the great city of Washington, DC. 

Friday, May 6 will be my last day as the Director of the Council Office of Racial Equity (CORE). The new director of CORE will be Namita (Nami) Mody, who served as our Associate Director of Policy and Systems since the launch of the office in 2021. Nami led the analysis and writing of the Comprehensive Plan and flavored tobacco REIAs, along with several others for the Committees on Housing and Executive Administration, Judiciary and Public Safety, and Labor and Workforce Development. She also designed the CORE website and brand. (Read Nami’s bio.)

I have always bragged that I have had the best job in the city. I also have one of the most pressing and urgent jobs in the city. I am blessed and thankful to all that have entrusted me with this great responsibility, a responsibility I know Nami can fully appreciate in her new role.

Since our launch, we have developed a racial equity assessment methodology, issued over 40 REIAs, launched the CORE Training Institute, and hired an amazing staff.  I have faith that Nami will continue to build on this strong foundation. With her vision and leadership, I truly believe that CORE will only soar to newer heights.  

I am thankful to my staff, who pushed me to be better, who held me accountable, and who always spoke truth to power. To Danaya, Milika, and Nami, you’re up next!

To the public, who always had our back—we will continue to amplify your voice. This work is just beginning. As CORE enters this next phase, the team will continue to put the people first. CORE will continue to fight for the people and work for the people.  I’ve always told my staff this work is not about me or any one person. It is about the people.  

Now that the time has come to turn the page and start this next chapter for CORE, I pass the baton(/mic/pen/keyboard, lol) over to the capable hands of the incoming director, Nami Mody.

In solidarity,

Brian

I am honored, humbled, and excited to continue CORE’s work with our outstanding (and growing!) team. Brian, thank you so much for your confidence in me since day one and for everything you’ve taught me over the past year and half. I will miss our daily collaborations.

We started this team with optimism, boldness, practical idealism, and the appreciation that we are humble learners joining the long fight for racial justice. As CORE’s new director, I will continue to honor those who came before us, amplify those who push beside us, and recognize the great responsibility ahead of us.

A sincere thank you to all the residents, Councilmembers, and Council staff who have supported us to date. I look forward to continuing our important work together.

Nami