Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force
Bessie Estelle Swann Confirmation Resolution of 2004
PR 15-775

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March 12, 2004

The Honorable Linda W. Cropp 
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Suite 504 
Washington. D.C. 20004

Dear Chairman Cropp:

In accordance with section 2 of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Temporary Act of 2003, effective December 9, 2003 (D.C. Law 15-52), which established the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, I am pleased to nominate the following persons for appointment:

as members of the Task Force, representing banking or financial service institutions, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the for-profit housing production community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the non-profit housing production community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, with expertise in housing policy from the academic or nonprofit community, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the philanthropic community, for a term to end l - year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the employer-assisted housing provider, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as members of the Task Force, representing the multifamily property owner community, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing the residential real estate profession, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing an organization that advocates for the production, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing for lower-income households, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing low-income tenants, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as citizen representative members on the Task Force, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in;

as a member of the Task Force, representing an organization that provides supportive housing services including housing counseling, financial management, in-kind assistance, or legal representation, for a term to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn in; and

as members of the Task Force, representing government agencies, including independent housing agencies, for terms to end 1-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in.

Enclosed you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-mentioned nominees, together with proposed resolutions to assist the Council during the confirmation process.

I would appreciate the Council's earliest consideration of these nominations for confirmation. Please do not hesitate to contact me should the Council require additional information.

Sincerely,
Anthony A. Williams 
Mayor

Enclosures 

AAW/edl

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Chairman Linda W. Cropp, at the request of the Mayor

A PROPOSED RESOLUTION IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

To confirm the appointment of Ms. Bessie Estelle Swann to the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the "Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force Bessie Estelle Swann Confirmation Resolution of 2004".

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:

Ms. Bessie Estelle Swann
18300 Charity Lane
Accokeek, Maryland 20607

as a citizen representative member of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force, established by section 2 of the Comprehensive Housing Strategy Temporary Act of 2003, effective December 9, 2003 (D.C. Law 15-52), for a term to end I-year from the date a majority of the first members are sworn-in.

Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution, upon its adoption, each to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor. 

Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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(301) 606-6975
BESSIESWANN@COMCAST.NET

OBJECTIVE

To capitalize on my broad management experience in community revitalization and the development of community and supportive services plans to aid families make the transition from government dependency to social and economical sufficiency

EXPERIENCE

October, 1999-Present, Consultant

• Community Supportive Services Plan Development and Technical Assistance to HOPE VI CSSP/ CDC's, Washington, DC

May, 1998-Present, Wheeler Creek Estates Community Development Corp. Washington, DC, Executive Director

Founding executive director of the Wheeler Creek Estate Corporation including the establishment of the community and support services program to assist residents in attaining social and economic self-sufficiency. Accountable to resident-based Board of Directors. Broad management responsibilities include:

• Organizing capacity-building activities to sustain the new Community Development Corporation.
• Negotiating and planning activities relevant to the overall community revitalization project.
• Understanding all necessary duties to effectuate the successful completion of the Family Self Sufficiency Plan as set forth in the Hope VI Revitalization Plan.
• Assisting the Board of Directors with its development to govern the CDC, its activities and negotiating with project partners, private and public.
• Managing the CDC's resources within accepted non-profit financial principles.
• Serving as the CDC's primary spokesperson in press and advocacy activities to expand the visibility, credibility and impact of WCECDC regionally and nationally.
• Organizing and managing the CDC's staff, developing the staffing plan and procedures.
• Leading change, exercising leadership and motivating board and staff to incorporate vision, strategic planning and the elements of quality management into the full range of the organization's activities; designing and implementing new and cutting edge programs/processes.
• Understanding the roles and relationships of the components of the revitalization project

1980-1998, North Fork Housing Alliance, Inc.; and Community Action of Southhold Town, Inc., Greenport, NY
Executive Director (Founding executive director of North Fork Housing Alliance, Inc.)

Served both organizations concurrently, with a combination annual budget of $3.5 to $5 million. Supervised case management activities for 600 cases; reported to two Boards of Directors. Broad management responsibilities included:

• Overseeing all aspects of agencies' activities including planning, personnel, finance client, services and community relations.
• Developing goals/objectives, coordinating policy development and representing the agencies before federal, state, local and community groups.
• Supervising the preparation and submission of budgets and revisions. Receiving and approving expenditures and monitoring funds to assure effective and efficient use.
• Employing a supervisory staff of 15-20 persons, independent consultants/contractors and management companies.
• Overseeing the training, utilization and discipline of all employees.
• Evaluating the service providers/preparing statistical and narrative reports.
• Establishing/maintaining cooperative working relationships with all parties - the public, contractors, private and public agencies, mortgage and lending institutions, etc.
• Leading efforts resulting in self-sufficiency and empowerment of lowincome, disenfranchised persons.
• Planning and initiating economic development activities and programs geared toward and self-sufficiency. Mediating community resident groups
• Developing, conducting pre-purchase and post-occupancy housing workshops.
• Subcontracted with local governments to conduct/manage its housing and social services programs.

EDUCATION

• Long Island University, Southhampton College, New York 
• Doctorate of Humane Letters, May 1990 
• Specialized Training:
• Comprehensive Neighborhood Based Community Planning
• Asset Building Approach to Community Revitalization
• Resource Development for Non-Profit Organizations

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

• National Council on the Aging Washington, DC (National Institute Senior Housing). Delegate, 2000-2004
• Coalition for Non-profit Housing & Economic Development. Member, 1998/Board Director- 2 yr. Term: 2003-2005
• New York State Association of Housing and Community Renewal Officials (NYSAHRO) - Vice President of Preservation Companies. 1984- 1998
• National Association of Housing and Renewal Officials. 1998
• National Council of Negro Women - Life Member

AWARDS

• Housing Assistance Council (HAC) - Skip Jason
• Community Service Award (National Recognition)
• New York State Governors Award for Housing Achievement (State Recognition)
• Paul Harris Fellow - Rotary International

PUBLICATIONS

Self-Suffiency Strategies for Non-Profit Organizations
New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal

LICENSES

Notary Public, State of Maryland