FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 3, 2013 Contact: Ayofemi Kirby
Washington, DC – Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge today announced four talented leaders to key positions within the CBC: Executive Director, Policy Director, Communications Director, and Operations and Member Services Director.
LaDavia Drane, who most recently served as Legislative Director for the office of Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), has been named Executive Director. “As the newly elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, it is with pleasure that I announce the appointment of LaDavia Drane as Executive Director. LaDavia is an energetic and sharp woman with the work ethic needed for this role. LaDavia has served my office with distinction over the years and I have no doubt that she will serve the CBC with the same dedication and fervor, said Chair Fudge.”
LaDavia was Director of Legislation and Regulatory Affairs for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, where she worked to expand access to basic banking services and advocated for affordable housing and job development for low- and moderate-income communities. She also served as Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), a member organization representing the world’s largest food manufacturers, grocers, and restaurants. LaDavia advocated for GMA’s members before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on policy issues related to health and nutrition, product labeling, and hunger policy.
LaDavia’s tenure on Capitol Hill began in 2009 when she joined the office of Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge. LaDavia first served Congresswoman Fudge and the people of Ohio’s Eleventh Congressional District as Legislative Counsel and was later promoted to Legislative Director. While on Capitol Hill, LaDavia was recognized as one of Cleveland’s 40 under 40 and she was recently selected as one of the “40 Under 40 on Capitol Hill” by Loop 21/IMPACT.
LaDavia is anchored by a loving husband, a devoted family and a strong faith in God. It is with great humility and pride that she serves as the Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus under the leadership of Chair Fudge.
Hassan Christian has been named Policy Director and will be responsible for overseeing the legislative priorities and policy agenda for the Congressional Black Caucus. Hassan Christian is proud to serve and advocate for the legislative agenda of the Congressional Black Caucus. As the Policy Director, Hassan will continue to focus on developing and driving a CBC agenda that creates economic opportunities for the underserved and eliminates policies that foster inequality. Hassan was recently named as one of the “40 Under 40 on Capitol Hill” by Loop 21/IMPACT. Prior to joining the Congressional Black Caucus, this Capitol Hill veteran served as the Special Advisor for Congressman Hansen Clarke and as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Kendrick Meek and Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. Hassan is a graduate of Morehouse College.
Ayofemi “Femi” Kirby has been named Communications Director. In her role, Ayofemi will continue to support CBC Members and the CBC’s policy agenda through strategic media relations and communications tactics. Formerly the Communications Director for Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09), Ayofemi brings 10 years of communications experience to the CBC across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Prior to working on the Hill, Ayofemi empowered young adults across the country to become leaders in their communities and more active participants in our democracy. For her efforts, she was awarded the American Express NGEN Fellowship, the New Leaders Council’s “40 under 40” Media award, and was honored as a “Community Hero” and as “One of Seven Shaping Our Region” by The Charlotte Observer. Ayofemi is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, earned her certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University, and recently graduated with her Masters of Arts in Public Communication from American University.
Latrice Powell will serve as Operations and Member Services Director. Latrice Powell will continue to be responsible for leading the day to day operations and she will develop a member services department for the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to joining the Congressional Black Caucus, Latrice worked for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), and the non-profit organizations, House of Ruth and Community Connections. Latrice is a graduate of the University of Maryland and received a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University.
###
