Ward 7 resident Derek Ford has worked in the field of economic development for over 20 years and wants to bring businesses and commercial opportunities to all District neighborhoods. Now, he will get the chance to further his mission as the new president of the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP).
“I am deeply honored to accept the role of president and CEO at WDCEP and I’m ready to get started,” said Ford, of his selection announced on Nov. 2. “My mission is clear: to attract and retain businesses in Washington, D.C. I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with my team, building on institutional knowledge, and leveraging my local and national expertise to ensure that D.C. remains a destination where businesses thrive.”
The WDCEP’s mission is to promote the District’s economic and business opportunities. WDCEP utilized tools such as historical knowledge of the District’s business sector, analytics, data and research to meet its objectives.
Ford’s Background
Before his promotion to the presidency, Ford worked as WDCEP’s senior vice president for neighborhood development for almost nine years.
Ford is a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University, and possesses certificates in executive leadership from The Wharton School and The George Washington University. Ford stepped down in April as a member of the board of visitors for North Carolina A&T University.
He serves as chairman of the Business Caucus of the D.C. Democratic State Committee and is a former chair of the Ward 7 Democrats. He is the former chair of the DC Housing Finance Board and has worked for the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization as its chief financial officer.
The Ward 7 resident was selected as the president of WDCEP after a nationwide search by an executive firm. He will start his duties on Nov. 13.
Nina Albert, acting Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development and co-chair of the WDCEP Board of Directors, said Ford is the right person for the job.
“Derek’s understanding of this organization, his adeptness at forging business and community connections, and his robust national network are invaluable assets that will bolster our mission and work,” Albert said.
