(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced two appointments in her Administration to head the two agencies that will launch on October 1, 2022: the Department of Buildings (DOB) and Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
Ernest Chrappah – Acting Director, Department of Buildings (DOB)
Director Chrappah is appointed Acting Director of the newly created Department of Buildings (DOB). An experienced government executive as well as a successful entrepreneur with a reputation for finding innovative solutions to complex challenges, Director Chrappah has led DCRA since 2018. During his tenure, DCRA focused on technological and customer experience innovation. The agency increased customer satisfaction to 85% through a digital transformation which made the agency more transparent, accountable, and responsive. Previously, Director Chrappah led the Department of For-Hire Vehicles and served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Child and Family Services Agency where he implemented innovative technology solutions, leveraging analytics, mobility, cloud, APIs, and user-oriented design for an 800+ workforce to improve child welfare outcomes. In addition, he created an IT governance framework and project portfolio management system to enhance fiscal management, transparency, and accountability.
DOB will protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. The agency is responsible for regulating construction activity in the District. The agency operates a consolidated permit operations division, reviews all construction documents to ensure compliance with building codes and zoning regulations, and has inspection and oversight authority, through which construction activity, building systems, and rental housing establishments are inspected, with violations cited and, if necessary, abatement pursued within the limits of the law.
Shirley Kwan-Hui – Interim Director, Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
Shirley Kwan-Hui is appointed Interim Director of the newly created Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). A seasoned administrator with over 20 years of executive leadership experience in both the public and private sector, Director Kwan-Hui served as the Deputy Director of DCRA. In that role, she was a strategic advisor to the Director to ensure successful execution of policies, strategies, and operations across the agency. She was responsible for overall agency performance and data management, the Office of Information Services, operations, and administrative functions, including budget and finance, procurement and contract management, human resources, facilities, and risk management. She also oversaw special and consumer protection investigations, customer service, and account management. Prior to joining DCRA, Director Kwan-Hui was Chief of Staff at the Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) having previously served as the Chief of Operations. At DFHV, she managed day-to-day operations and implemented strategic initiatives for the agency, including digital meters for all District taxicabs, making DC the first jurisdiction in the country incorporating this innovative technology, and setting up an independent Office of Hearings within the agency.
The DLCP is charged with the protection the economic interests of residents, businesses, and visitors in the District by licensing and regulating businesses and investigating and enforcing the Consumer Protection Procedures Act. DLCP will also issue business licenses, occupational and professional licenses, and special events permits and vending licenses; register corporations; and inspect weighing and measuring devices used for monetary profit.
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