Session 5
Darby Hickey
Legislative Assistant/Communications for DC Councilmember David Grosso
202-724-8105
Darby Hickey is Councilmember Grosso’s legislative assistance and communications staff person. She focuses on a portfolio of issues covering criminal justice to human services, including disability rights and services.
Shawn Hilgendorf
Legislative Counsel for DC Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie
202-654-6183
Shawn Hilgendorf is Councilmember McDuffie’s Legislative Counsel at the Committee on the Judiciary and for Health and Human Services. In addition, he supports the Councilmember on issues related to Education, Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and Juvenile Justice
Danielle Burs
Legislative Director for DC Councilmember Brianne Nadeau
(202) 724-8835
Danielle Burs is Councilmember Nadeau’s legislative director. She prepares the Councilmember for all of her assigned committee duties, drafts and tracks legislation, and meets with constituents and stakeholders.
Andrew Reese
Interim Director
DC Department on Disability Services
Andrew Reese was appointed Interim Director of the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) on April 22, 2016. A licensed clinical social worker and attorney admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia and Maryland, Mr. Reese previously served as the Deputy Director for the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). In that role he was responsible for developing and directing a comprehensive program to assist people with disabilities in achieving self-sufficiency and independence by securing, maintaining and advancing in employment opportunities.
Mr. Reese joined DDS in 2011 as Deputy General Counsel and represented RSA on matters of legal sufficiency, development of regulations and policies, and negotiation of memoranda of understanding with other District agencies. He previously served as Deputy Attorney General for the Family Services Division of the Office of the Attorney General, responsible for the Domestic Violence, Mental Health and Child Protection Litigation sections. Mr. Reese has worked in both the public and non-profit sectors, serving ten years as a clinical instructor on the faculty of the Schools of Law and Social Work at the University of Maryland at Baltimore and operating a private practice in the District of Columbia, representing parents and acting as a guardian ad litem for children in the foster care system. While on the faculty of the University of Maryland, Mr. Reese also served as chairman of the AIDS Legislative Committee, a disability advocacy organization.
A life-long resident of the D.C. metropolitan area, Mr. Reese has published articles regarding the social welfare of women and children and ethical decision-making in the practice of clinical law. He earned his juris doctorate from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Law; a master of social work from Howard University, and a bachelor of science in Family Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park. He and his family reside in Ward 4.
Jennifer Kemp
Unit Chief for Youth Policy and Performance
U.S. Department of Labor
Jennifer Kemp works at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration as the Unit Chief for Youth Policy and Performance. Previously she led the Youth Policy Team for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. Past work experiences also include leading national, state and local grant programs; staff on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee; and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. She began her Federal career through a Workforce Recruitment Program internship at the U.S. Department of Defense. In addition, Jennifer has worked in the non-profit, university, and corporate worlds. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree from Vanderbilt University. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two sons, and family dog.