MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
October 7, 2024
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Council of the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350Pennsylvania Avenue,NW, Suite 504
Washington, DC 20004
Dear Chairman Mendelson:
In accordance with section 2 of the Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-
142; D.C. Official Code § 1-523.01), and pursuant to section 202 of the Office of Human Rights
Establishment Act of 1999, effective October 20, 1999, D.C. Law 13-38, D.C. Official Code § 2-
1411.01, I am pleased to nominate the following individual:
Mr. Kenneth L. Saunders
Danbury Street, SW
Washington, DC 20032
(Ward 8)
for appointment as the Director of the Office of Human Rights, to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experience of the above-mentioned
nominee, together with a proposed resolution to assist the Council during the confirmation process.
I would appreciate the Council's earliest consideration of this nomination for confirmation. Please
do not hesitate to contact me, or Steven Walker, Director, Mayor's Office of Talent and
Appointments, should the Council require additional information.
 I
2
3 at the request of the Mayor
4
5
6 A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
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8
9
10 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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12
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15 To confirm the appointment of Kenneth L. Saunders as the Director of the Office of Human
16 Rights.
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18 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNC[L OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that this
19 resolution may be cited as the "Director of the Office of Human Rights Kenneth L. Saunders
20 Confinnation Resolution of 2024".
21 Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the appointment of:
22
23 Kenneth L. Saunders
24 Danbury Street, SW
25 Washington, DC 20032
26 (Ward 8)
27
28 as the Director of the Office of Human Rights, established by section 202 of the Office of
29 Human Rights Establishment Act of 1999, effective October 20, 1999 (D.C. Law 13-38; D.C.
30 Official Code § 2-1411.0 l ), to serve at the pleasure of the Mayor.
31 Sec. 3. The Council of the District of Columbia shall transmit a copy of this resolution,
32 upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor.
33 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
 KENNETH L. SAUNDERS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INTERIM & ACTING DIRECTOR
DC OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Washington D.C
March 2024 to present
Appointed as Interim Director and currently serving as Acting Director. exercising
overall executive leadership direction and control of the Office, under the general
direction of the City Administrator and Deputy Mayor of Public Safety and Justice.
Directly supervises the Office's Enforcement and Alternative Dispute Resolution
units,
Directs the monitoring of District of Columbia contracts to ensure compliance with
equal opportunity laws and ensure minority contractors are afforded an equal
opportunity to receive contracts.
Responsible for the organization, planning, implementation and oversight of all
Office programs and initiatives.
Enforces the EEO regulations and Affirmative Action Plan of the District of
Columbia.
Plans, organizes, and controls through the Chief Administrative Office and all
Senior Leadership team members.
Issues appropriate orders, regulations or guidance as deemed necessary to ensure
an effective EEO program,
Continuously identifies and implements strategies to eliminate discriminatory
practices throughout the District of Columbia through enforcement, alternative
dispute resolution and community outreach and education efforts.
Meets regularly with community-based organizations to facilitate an open dialogue
regarding community concerns, emerging trends, and discussions regarding
pending and proposed legislation.
Reports to the Mayor as appropriate on progress of equal opportunity matters
within the District of Columbia,
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ENFORCEMENT
DC OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Washington D.C,
December 2023 to March 2024
Exercised full program planning and managerial responsibility, overseeing all
administrative functions associated with managing enforcement unit programs,
including identifying, tracking, and analyzing performance metrics, producing
statistical reports,
Served as the authority in establishing policies, procedures, and best practices for
the enforcement units.
Conducted assessments of program effectiveness and implemented improvement
strategies using qualitative and quantitative methods,
 Managed, supervised, and directed the day-to-day activities of senior managers
within the enforcement units. Evaluated the performance of subordinates and
identified developmental and training needs.
Identified strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives for inclusion in the agency's
annual performance plan.
Conferred regularly with the senior leadership team and Director to keep them
apprised of new or changing policies, requirements, and special priority matters
specific to the enforcement unit.
DIRECTOR
FAIRFAX COUNTY OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUITY PROGRAMS
Fairfax, VA.
September 2008 to December 2023
Supervised all senior level managers.
Oversaw daily operations of the office.
Developed and managed agency budget.
Provided leadership and clear vison as the Director of the Office of Human Rights
and Equity Programs.
Reported out and provided guidance to senior management and the Board of
Supervisors on sensitive employment matters.
Conducted and oversaw the County's efforts in investigating complaints of
discrimination primarily involving employment, housing, public accommodations,
education, and credit.
Developed, implemented, and updated online County-wide training in the areas of
employment discrimination and ADA compliance.
Counseled County agencies, along with the Office of the County Attorney, on
decisions involving ADA and employment matters for over 40 agencies.
Led the County's education and outreach efforts, with respect to discrimination and
equity issues throughout the County.
Developed, implemented, and monitored diversity/EEO plans for all County
agencies.
Developed and implemented mandatory online County-wide EEO training(s) for all
employees and volunteers.
DIVERSITY OFFICER/ EEO (SENIOR STAFF)
JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY/APPLIED PHYSICS LAB
Laurel, MD.,
August 2007to July 2008
Served as EEO Officer on employment law and employee relations matters.
Conducted all investigations of complaints of discrimination and EEO policy
violations.
Chaired the Women and Minorities Advisory Council and served as the liaison
between the Council and Executive Management on matters relating to the
recruitment, professional development, and retention of minority staff members at
Lab.
Served as the central point of contact for all diversity programs and initiatives
within the Lab.
 DIRECTOR
DC OFFICE OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Washington, D.C
June:2003 to January 2007
Supervised all senior level managers.
Developed and managed agency budget.
Oversaw daily operations of the office.
Implemented the District of Columbia's Language Access Program.
Directed and managed staff and implemented policies and procedures
resulting in increased productivity and responsiveness of the agency.
* Directed the Office in providing counsel and resolution mechanisms on discreet
legal issues including, but not limited to, personnel matters, employee
misconduct and most complex discrimination issues for District Agency
Directors.
* Partnered with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development HUD and
provided oversight of the Department's National Fair Housing Training Academy.
* Selected by Harvard University to serve on the Executive Session on Enforcement
of Human Rights Standards on Crime and Criminal Justice at Harvard University's
Kennedy School of Government.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
GREATER SHREVEPORT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION NON-PROFIT
Shreveport, LA,
December 2001to June 2003
Oversaw the daily operations of the office.
* Advised the Mayor, City Council and Parish Commissioners on issues regarding, but
not limited to, cultural awareness, investigations, and discrimination issues in the
City of Shreveport.
Conducted investigations of workplace discrimination.
Developed and implemented investigation charge system for workplace
discrimination.
Developed and established diversity training program for the City of Shreveport.
Consulted and worked with local businesses regarding issues of economic
development and community involvement.
* Responsible for budget, fundraising and securing additional revenue sources.
LEGAL COUNSEL/EOO OFFICER
COLUMBUS COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMISSION
Columbus, OH
1998 to 2001
* Consulted with the Office of the City Attorney on legal matters concerning
discrimination within the City of Columbus Government.
* Drafted and implemented law regarding the review of complaints against
Columbus Police Department.
EDUCATION
(RASSST
Juris Doctorate
3
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY- MORITZ COLLEGE OF LAW
Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science
Marketing and Business Management
WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY
Wilberforce, OH
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Executive Office of the Mayor — Mayor's OfficeofTalent and Appointments
John A. Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Kenneth L. Saunders
Mr. Kenneth L. Saunders is an experienced director with a successful
history of working in government administration.
Mr. Saunders’ extensive experience spans government and non-profit
sectors, including previous service as Directorof the Office of Human
Rights under Mayor Anthony Williams and most recently returning as
Associate Director of Enforcement. This experience provides him a
deep understandingofthe office’s mission and the challenges faced in
ensuring DC’s residents have equal access to opportunity.
Askilled leader, Mr. Saunders has built strong teams and developed
novative programs and activities. For example, he spearheaded the
creationofthe first Fair Housing Training Academy in collaboration with the federal Department
of Housing and Urban Development. Additionally, Mr. Saunders’ efforts led to the implementation
of the District's first Language Access Program. These initiatives underscore his commitment to
creating a more inclusive DC
Further recognitionof his dedication came from Harvard’s Kennedy School
of Government, where
he was selected to participate in their Executive Session on Enforcement of Human Rights
Standards
Combining his legal expertise with his leadership experience and unwavering passion for equal
rights, Kenneth Saunders brings a strong foundation to lead the OHR.
A Ward8 resident, Mr. Saunders earned his Bachelor
ofScience from Wilberforce University and
his Juris Doctor from Ohio State University
 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
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WE ARE
WASHINGTON
Cl
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
To: ‘Tomas Talamante, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: September 20, 2024
Subject: Legal sufficiency reviewofResolution nominating Kenneth L. Saunders as
Directorofthe Office of Human Rights
This is to Certify that this oftice has reviewed the above-referenced resolution and
found it to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
hesitate to call Erika Satterlee, Deputy General Counsel, Executive Officeof the Mayor, at 202-
Dp bas
724-1303, or me at 202-724-7681.
Elizabeth A. (Betsy) Cavendish
The Ton AWilson Bal “+1350
Peanssvania
Avenue, NW > Suite 300 >