MURIEL BOWSER
MAYOR
January 11,2021
The Honorable Phil Mendelson
Chairman
Councilof the District of Columbia
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania 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 305ofthe Fiscal Year 2002
Budget Support Act of 2001, effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official Code
2-1374), which established the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development (Commission), | am pleased to nominate the following person:
Benjamin Takai
Longfellow Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
(Ward 4)
for reappointment as a public voting memberofthe Commission, for a term to end April 17, 2023.
Enclosed, you will find biographical information detailing the experienceofthe 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.
Sincerely,
Mur! Bowser
 hairman Phil Mendelson
at the request ofthe Mayor
A PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
To confirm the reappointment of Benjamin Takai to the Commission on Asian and Pacific
Islander Community Development.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development Benjamin Takai Confirmation Resolutionof 2021.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia confirms the reappointment of:
Benjamin Takai
Longfellow Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
(Ward 4)
as a public voting memberofthe Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Community
Development, established by section 305 of the Fiscal Year 2002 Budget Support Act of2001,
30 effective October 3, 2001 (D.C. Law 14-28; D.C. Official Code 2-1374), and in accordance
31 with section 2ofthe Confirmation Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-142; D.C.
32 Official Code 1- $23.01), for a term to end April 17, 2023.
33 Sec. 3. The Councilofthe District of Columbia shall transmit a copyofthis resolution,
34 upon its adoption, to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor.
35 Sec. 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
 Benjamin H. Takai
ER
Qual ications summary:
* Well-rounded research professional with specialized experience in infectious disease epidemiology
Experience with planning, implementation, and evaluationof HIV programs on local, state, and national levels
Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility and diplomacy in handling challenging collaborative projects
Edue
The George Washington University, Washington, DC May 2009
Master of Public Health, Epidemiology
Bates College, Lewiston, ME
Bachelor of Science, Biology May 2004
Professional Experience
DC Department of Health, Washington, DC January 2013- Present
Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, HIV Prevention Bureau, HIV/AIDS, STD, and TB Administration
+ Leads the implementation for data collection ofHIV testing as it relates to HIV prevention in the District ofColumbia.
Leads the analyses and reporting of prevention data to DC Departmentof Health (DOH) leadership, DC government
leadership, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Department of Health and Human Services.
+ Designs and implements monitoring and evaluation standards for the HIV Prevention Bureau. Works with internal staff to
censure regular data reporting from HIV service organizations within DC. Leads the quality assuranceof data transmitted to
the DOH from health providers and community organizations. Designs trainings and technical guides to providers
regarding data submission standards. Performs regular technical assistance (TA) as required for accurate data submission,
+ Leads the development of monitoring and evaluation plans for funding opportunities through the HIV Prevention Bureau,
Designs all data collection instruments and protocols associated with data collection. Identifies key variables and data
points to accurately measure the objectives of each funding opportunity. Leads the analysisofall data and reports to DOH
leadership on project successes and lessons learned. Serves as the technical expert for DOH project officers and grantees
on all subjects relating to data collection and reporting
Abt Associates, Ine., Bethesda, MD
Research Analyst, United States Health November 2009 January 2013
* Acted as project manager providing technical assistance to the HIV/AIDS Bureauofthe U.S. Health Resources and
Services Administration. Met with project leadership and Abt staff to define goals, training topics, and timelines for
successful project implementation. Coordinated with subcontractors to provide leaming events tostaff at the Health
Resources and Services Administration including developmentof learning event topics and materials, facilitation of
events, and evaluationofeach event for senior leadership. Executed monthly, quarterly, and annual reports on project
implementation and budget oversight. Met with project leadership on a regular basis to review implementation and goal
achievement.
Coordinated and supervised the administration ofgrants totaling $350,000.00 from the Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious
Disease Policy to community based HIV organizations nationwide in support of HIV prevention and education events.
Negotiated program goals with community groups, monitored their progress through regular contact with each group and
reviewed reports detailing the achievement of project goals funded by each grant.
+ Acted as project manager for the implementation of HIV prevention programs at Minority Serving Institutions as part of
the Officeof HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy initiative to engage minority youth in the field of HIV/AIDS
prevention and education, Supervised the implementation of HIV prevention programs at two Minority Serving
Institutions. Maintained regular contact with each institution to ensure successful completionofproject goals and
troubleshoot any gaps in performance. Conducted site visits to assess available resources, recommended program changes,
and technical assistance to project staff. Responded to site requests for technical assistance, coordinating with
subcontracting organizations and Abt project leadership. Produced annual reports and collaborated with the Abt team to
producea comprehensive project report for senior leadership at the Officeof HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy.
* Composed reports to inform the National HIV/AIDS Strategy based on three town hall meetings attended with the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy as well as the Assistant
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
Supervised the design and implementationof a data collection system for the National Institute of General Medical
Sciences at the National Institutes of Health. Conducted meetings with leadership to determine data collection needs and
created a data collection system based on meeting results. Supervised staff to implement data collection. Produced a data
collection guide and trained governmentstaff on sustainable implementation.
Collaborated as part ofa team to produce data collection documents for a study researching HINI Influenza vaccine
efficacy in children. Produced key data collection forms and data dictionaries. Assisted in protocol development.
George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC
Epidemiology Research Associate- HPTN 061 June 2009 - October 2009
Selected and recruited interview subjects for two separate HIV studies aimed at high risk populations in Washington DC
(HIV PreventionTrials Network 061, HIV Prevention Trials Network 064). Performed HIV testing and counseling for
African American men who have sex with men and women who reside in high risk areas. Performed clinical evaluation
and counseling for study participants including screeningforselect sexually transmitted infections and mental states.
Provided referrals for study participants including health, social, mental health, housing, and employment. Cultivated
partnerships between community based organizations and the research team to facilitate recruitment andofstudy
participants.
Health Behavior Interviewer April 2008 - May 2009
Selected and recruited study sites for the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System project during the phase focused
on men who have sex with men, Created and maintained relationships with testingsites and community based
organizations to promote recruitment of subjects. Recruited subjects attest sites to conduct interviews and perform HIV
testing and counseling. Performed HIV testing and counseling to study subjects and provided referrals as needed.
Collected interview data on behaviors associated with HIV risk factors and relevant demographic characteristics. Assisted
in the data analysis and reporting. Data analysis was used in the Washington DC Department of Health behavior study on
men who have sex with men in 2010.
Epidemiology Research Assistant January 2007 - May 2009
* Analyzed historical data on hepatitis cases to identify high-risk behaviors and collaborated to design a data collection
system to capture all relevanthigh-risk behavioral factors for hepatitis infection in Washington DC. Conducted data
analyses and assisted in the preparationof a comprehensive report on the state of hepatitis inWashington DC. Provided
technical support to the Washington DC Department of Health to streamline the data collection records system on hepatitis
testing.
American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC
Epidemiology Research Assistant July 2006 - Oct 2007
Conducted statistical analysis and prepared a reportbased on survey data on pandemic vs. avian influenza.
Generated status reports on current public preparedness in the faceofan influenza pandemi
+ Provided research support and served as an infectious disease specialist on a proposal for an HIV/AIDS prevention and
treatment project targeting adolescents in Russia.
Assisted with interviews to collect qualitative data on health delivery systems in the US.
Served as a member ofa team charged by the state of Maryland to auditand evaluate statewide ini /es on tobacco use
prevention funded by the Maryland Cigarette Restitution Fund.
Westat, Rockville, MD August 2004 July 2006
Global Health Research Assistant
+ Served as support staff for HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Analysts conducting site visits in western and southern Africa and
Southeast Asia.
Provided HIV/AIDS Clinical Research Analysts with current site-specific data and document tracking support.
Provided translation support for studies taking place in French-speaking countries.
Assisted in the planning and execution ofa network-wide conference of researchers and practitioners.
Washington DC GLBT Mayoral Advisory Committee, Washington DC
Appointed Member (2013-2015), Chair Health Subcommittee
* Served a two year term by direct appointmentofthe Mayor of Washington DC. The Mayor's GLBT Advisory Committee
was established throughDC Council legislation to advise the Mayor and the Directorofthe Office of GLBT Affairs on
issues affecting the District's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The committee's functions included
making recommendations on the direction, focus and missionofthe Officeof GLBTAffairs.
National HIV Monitoring and Evaluation Workgroup, Atlanta GA
Appointed Member 2013-2015, elected Co-Chair 2013 - 2015
* The National HIV Monitoring and Evaluation (NHME) workgroup was formed to assist the CDC Office of HIV/AIDS
Policy with the development and implementationof a standardized monitoring and evaluation data requirements,
strategies, and tools for HIV prevention program activities. The Workgroup provided guidance on other evaluation
activities as they related to current and/or future DHAP cooperative agreements, White House directives, or other DHAP
data requirement, collection, and data-use activities.
Presentations
Red Carpet Entry System Linking HIV Positive Individuals Into Care, September 25 2013, ECHPP Grantee
Meeting 2013, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta GA.
* Accessing Hard to Reach Populations Using Social Marketing, September 27 2013, ECHPP Grantee Meeting 2013,
Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta GA
Key Skills
Technical: Proficient in all MS Office S applications, intermediate knowledge of SAS, GIS, WinPepi. Proficient in French,
basic understandingofJapanese
Awards
* Winner, George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Sciences: Winnerof the 2007Department of
Environmental and Occupational Health presentation awardfor the presentationof his project Waterborne Diseases
Following the Asian Tsunami of2004. December 2007
* Winner, Tauber Scholarshipfor direct descendants ofWorld War II veterans. January 2008.
 Executive Office of the Mayor - OfficeofTalent and Appointments
John A, Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 600 | Washington, DC 20004
Benjamin Takai
Benjamin Takai is a fourth generation Japanese American and a third
generation Washingtonian who has exhibited a commitment to
improving health outcomes and access to services to minority and
underserved populations.
Mr. Takai is currently an Epidemiologist at the DC Department of
Health leading the monitoring and evaluation of HIV prevention in
Washington, DC. Mr. Takai leads data collection of HIV testing as it
relates to HIV prevention in the District ofColumbia. In this role he also
leads the analyses and reportingofprevention data to DC Department
of Health leadership, DC government leadership, the Centers for
Disease Control, and the US Departmentof Health and Human Services.
Mr. Takai uses this information to advise seniorstaff on policy direction.
Following completion of his graduate work he joined a public health
consulting firm, and worked directly with the US Department of Health
and Human Services as well as the White House to provide guidance to
the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. In this role, he also managed the implementation of HIV
prevention programs at Minority Serving colleges and universities as part of the Office of
HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy initiative to engage minority youth in the field of
HIV/AIDS prevention and education as well as worked with minority serving colleges and
universities nationwide to implement safe sex and HIV prevention initiatives. He was also
appointed to serve as a health policy advisor on the advisory council for the Mayor's Office of
LGBTQ Affairs (2013-2015). In this role he advised the Director of LGBTQ Affairs on health
policy initiatives.
Mr. Takais family has long been associated with the Japanese American Citizens League, and
other civil rights groups that advocate for the equal representation and access to services for
minority groups, specifically Asian Americans. While pursuing his graduate degree, Mr. Takai
received a scholarship for descendants of WWII veterans, honoring his grandfather's service as a
member of the 442 Infantry regiment, the only all Japanese American regiment and the most
highly decorated army regiment in US army history. In 2010, Mr. Takai accepted the
Congressional Gold Medal on behalf of his grandfather's service in the 442" army regiment to
honor his contribution to the allied efforts in WWII.
A Ward 4 resident, Mr. Takai received his MasterofPublic Health degree in Epidemiology from
George Washington University and his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bates College.
 GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
ake
WE ARE
WASHINGTON
|
Office of the General Counsel to the Mayor
To: Ronan Gulstone, Steve Walker
From: Betsy Cavendish
Date: November 2, 2020
Subject: Legal sufficiency reviewofresolutions nominating Ronak Desai, Jennifer Hara,
Benjamin Takai, John Tinpe, Dana Tai Soon Burgess, Tiffany Hsieh, Karen
Kwok, Elena Son, and Sina Uipi to the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander
Community Development
This is to Certify that mis oftice has reviewed the above-referenced legislation
and found it to be legally unobjectionable. If you have any questions in this regard, please do not
Ppa bac
hesitate to call me at 202-724-7681.
Elizabeth Cavendish
TheTohn AWilsonBuilding > 1550Pennsylvania Avence NW > Sune 300+ Washingion, DC 000) > Ofice (205) 72-7681