PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2014

Contact: Rob Hawkins, 202-434-0079

Mayor-Elect Bowser Hosts Open House, Announces Transition Team Members

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mayor-Elect Muriel Bowser hosted a public open house of her transition office today and announced additional team members that will assist in the transition to a Bowser Administration.

“I’m excited to have a diverse group of talented individuals who are stepping up to make sure we are prepared to hit the ground running on Day One. They not only have the experience to get the job done, but reflect the values of this great city. Together, we will usher in a fresh start for the District of Columbia,” said Mayor-Elect Bowser.

The transition team members include:

John Falcicchio

Transition Director

John Falcicchio is currently on leave from DKC where he is a Senior Vice President. Prior to joining DKC, Falcicchio was a Regional Political Director at the Democratic National Committee where he led political outreach on behalf of President Obama to elected officials, state parties and allied organizations in the Northeast and Florida.

Falcicchio is a veteran of a number of candidate campaigns across the country with over a decade of experience. While at the DNC, he served as the organization’s national liaison to Democratic mayors, activating and engaging them in promoting and defending President Obama’s agenda. Following the election, Falcicchio did a stint at the President Inaugural Committee before returning to the DNC. Before joining the DNC, Falcicchio served Mayor Adrian Fenty in various capacities including campaign manager and Senior Advisor to the Mayor.

Falcicchio has worked on a number of candidate campaigns, such as President Obama’s DC State Director (2008 primary), field organizer for Howard Dean’s presidential campaign, and finance director/GOTV coordinator for Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s first mayoral run. Falcicchio was the campaign manager of Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser’s 2007 Council campaign. Falcicchio is a graduate of the Catholic University of America.

Angie Gates

Operations Director

During the Mayor-Elect’s campaign, Angie Gates was the Traveling Chief of Staff. Prior to this position, Gates made history as the first African American General Manager of the Historic Warner Theatre located in the heart of Washington, DC. Gates began her career as a film specialist for the New Orleans Film Commission; her film projects include Interview with a Vampire and Pelican Brief. Gates is the former Associate General Manager of the Historic Saenger Theatre located in New Orleans. She also previously served as the Director of Engagement Relations and Marketing for the Theatrical Division of Clear Channel Entertainment.

Gates serves as a Board Member of the New Orleans Theatre Association and Negro League Hall of Fame. She is also a member of the DC Chapter of the Recording Academy of Arts and Sciences (The Grammy’s). Gates received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a Masters of Arts Administration with a Special Concentration in Sports Management graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Orleans.

Joaquin McPeek

Press Secretary

Joaquin McPeek served as Communications Director during the general election for the Mayor-Elect’s campaign. Prior to joining the Mayor-Elect’s team, McPeek was the Media and Communications Director for the Environmental Defense Fund, a global non-profit dedicated to finding market-based solutions to tackling the world’s toughest environmental challenges. His work focused on the organization’s climate and energy programs in California.

Previously, McPeek served as Press Secretary to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. This role included executing the Administration’s overall communications strategy and message development. McPeek has over six years of state and national communications experience, and has worked with some of the most highly regarded media organizations in the world. McPeek is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento and is a proud Ward 2 resident.

Lindsey Parker

Policy Director

Lindsey Parker is the Director for Economic Development and Legislative Affairs on the DC Council Committee on Economic Development.

Before joining the Mayor-Elect’s DC Council team, Parker was the Director for Policy and Governmental Affairs at Americans for Responsible Solutions, the gun violence prevention advocacy organization started by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and retired astronaut and U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly.

Previously, she served as Federal Affairs Advisor and then Policy Director for former Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty. She has worked in the cyber-security sector, as Director of Internal Communications at Symantec, among other roles in the industry. Parker has additional governmental affairs experience as senior associate at both Dutko Worldwide (now Dutko Grayling) and a small trade policy consulting firm. Parker is a graduate of Yale University – and proudly attended Kindergarten at Stoddert Elementary School in Ward 3.

Brandon T. Todd

Executive Office Director

Brandon T. Todd previously served as Finance Director for Muriel Bowser for Mayor. Prior to serving in this capacity, he worked as Director of Community Affairs for Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser. During 2011-2012, Todd served as Operations Manager for the Bowser 2012 re-election campaign. Prior to joining Mayor-Elect Bowser’s Council staff in 2007, Todd worked at the United States Department of the Interior – National Business Center Division.

In 2013, Todd was elected to serve as the President of the Ward 4 Democrats of Washington D.C. In 2012, he served as an elected Delegate for President Barack Obama representing the District of Columbia at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Todd proudly resides in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4.

Todd obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Bowie State University and Masters of Business Administration from Trinity Washington.

Tamara Watkins

Talent Acquisition Director

Ms. Watkins is the Director of Corporate Accounts for a global biotech company, Amgen. In this role she is responsible for leading and providing strategic direction to corporate account managers across the Mid-Atlantic and Central regions.

Tamara has over 17 years’ experience in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry. For over 10 years she has recruited, hired, and led sales and marketing teams. She has won numerous individual and team awards for delivering results and ensuring team execution including awards for top performance and team excellence.

Tamara has served on various community boards. Most recently she served as a board member for Psychiatrist Rehabilitation Services (PRS), an organization dedicated to improving the lives of patients suffering from mental illness. Like the Mayor-Elect, Watkins is a graduate of Chatham College in Pittsburgh, PA.

Individuals who are interested in joining the Bowser Administration and delivering a fresh start to District residents should visit www.wearewashingtondc.org.