09/18/2026
We are pleased to announce A.D. Rachel Pierre as our next Fireside Chat Speaker for the 2nd Annual Partnership Convening on October 21, 2026!
A.D. Rachel Pierre serves as the Director of the District's Department of Human Services (DHS), leading a workforce of 1,500 employees and a budget exceeding $900 million. Confirmed by the DC Council in October 2025 following two terms as Interim Director, she brings more than 20 years of experience across nonprofit and government leadership to the role, with a career-long focus on housing access, youth services, and community-based support.
Rachel joined DHS in December 2020 as Administrator for the Family Services Administration, where she led efforts to expand housing access, strengthen youth-services infrastructure, and launch the Peer Case Management Institute. As Director, she is leading the District's TANF reforms to put the program on a more sustainable footing, including the development of DC's first TANF Hardship Policy Working Group to protect vulnerable households through the transition. She has also guided the District's response to new federal SNAP work requirements under H.R. 1 and continues to expand workforce pipelines connecting DHS customers to job training and employment, including a new shared-housing pilot for young adults exiting transitional housing.
Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in finance from James Madison University, a Master of Social Work from Howard University, and an MBA from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.
We look forward to hearing Rachel’s perspective on the evolving homelessness, temporary shelter, and housing landscape in Washington, DC, the opportunities and challenges ahead, and the importance of strong partnerships in building a more responsive and effective system of care.
Join us on October 21st for an informative and thought-provoking discussion.
