CONTACT: Sharon Gang (202) 727-5011
Wanda Alston (202) 442-8150

"Wanda Alston's experience dealing with the gay and lesbian community as well as her background in the District government combine to make her an excellent advocate and liaison for the community," said Mayor Williams.

Prior to her appointment, Alston was the Director of Operations for the office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice. She joined the Williams Administration in August, 1999 as Mayor Williams' liaison to the US Census Bureau, managing the government's efforts in producing an accurate census in 2000.

Before joining the Williams Administration, Alston worked at the Human Rights Campaign as an events manager and later went on to establish a political consulting firm, Alston Consulting Services, Inc. In 1992, Alston served as the executive assistant to the president of the National Organization of Women, Patricia Ireland, and later as the special projects director where she helped to organize four national marches in Washington, DC and one in San Francisco.

Alston has received several community service awards, including the 1994 Welmore Cook Award from DC Black Pride, Inc., which is the highest community service award given by the Black GLBT community. In 1995, she was awarded the 1995 National Welfare Rights Union community award and the DC Coalition of Black Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals community service award.

Alston received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from Norfolk State University. Currently, she is an MBA graduate student at Southeastern University, specializing in international management. She has lived in Washington, DC for 15 years.

Alston's office is located on the second floor of the John A. Wilson Building, within the Office of Community Outreach suite of offices.

Alston's appointment became effective on November 5.