WHO WE ARE

As part of the DC Main Streets program, we bring the expertise of urban revitalization, community engagement, and small business development. We understand how to navigate city regulations, access funding, and leverage resources to help local businesses thrive. We have a strong knowledge of the Foggy Bottom and West End areas and are well-connected within the local government and business networks. Our background in historic preservation, sustainable development, and customer engagement allows us to support both business growth and community identity.

Foggy Bottom West End

Foggy Bottom West End

Our vision

01

To lead the revitalization of Foggy Bottom and West End by creating a thriving, diverse business community that enhances the neighborhood’s historic character while embracing sustainable growth.

02

To transform Foggy Bottom and West End into a dynamic, prosperous destination that attracts businesses, residents, and visitors by combining the power of community-driven development with resources and opportunities for growth.

03

To foster a sustainable, inclusive neighborhood where independent businesses thrive, historic preservation is prioritized, and residents experience a vibrant, connected community.

Our MISSION

01

We empower and support local businesses in Foggy Bottom and West End through advocacy, resources, and revitalization efforts, fostering a community that thrives economically and socially while preserving its unique heritage.

02

Through the DC Main Streets program, we assist businesses in Foggy Bottom and West End by connecting them to resources, facilitating collaboration, and improving the commercial corridors, ensuring a vibrant, economically robust neighborhood.

03

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Foggy Bottom and West End by nurturing local businesses, improving streetscapes, and creating opportunities that attract consumers and support community engagement.

Staff

Ben Sislen, Executive Director

Benjamin Sislen, a Washington, D.C. native, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in the restaurant industry. He began his career in the early 2000s before earning his law degree and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Georgetown University Law Center.

After serving as In-House Counsel in the finance sector, Ben transitioned to Tin Shop as General Counsel for their bar creation group. Over three years, he successfully negotiated leases and cultivated relationships with land developers and leading retailers in D.C.

Seeing a demand for vibrant neighborhood establishments, Ben launched Kingfisher on 14th Street in 2016, followed by The Crown & Crow in 2018. In 2020, he shifted his focus to Foggy Bottom, founding Expat Hospitality and assuming the role of CEO, overseeing the openings of Expat (2024), Hilltop Taproom (2024), and Taco Cat (opening in 2025).

Currently, as the Executive Director of the newly established Foggy Bottom West End Mainstreet, Ben leverages his expertise as a lawyer, retail owner, broker, and fundraiser to lay the groundwork for a thriving retail community in Foggy Bottom and the West End.

board of directors

  • John has been a Foggy Bottom home-owner on 26th Street NW for over 28 years, along with his husband, Peter Maye.   Together, they raised their son in Foggy Bottom with help from their dog, Titan.  The family enjoys proximity to restaurants, culture, the arts, and lots of green space.   John recently retired from a nearly 40-year-long career as a healthcare IT executive for an international consulting firm.  John has always been active in the community and has brought his leadership, organizational skills, and hands-on attitude to the role of President of the Foggy Bottom Association since 2020.  Along with the entire FBA Board, John is working to improve the FBA infrastructure and tackle community priorities to make sure our part of DC remains a great place to live, work, and play.

  • Sadie has been a resident of DC since 2013. She has past board experience, including serving on the board of The University of Texas at Austin alumni group in DC for 5 years (and past president), a volunteer with the Junior League of Washington (2021-2022 Co-Chair of the Women's Leadership Breakfast), was past-president of her former Home Owner's Association and has a Non-Profit Board Certification from Boardsource. She and her husband purchased an 1880s row home in Historic Foggy Bottom, and she is a small business owner helping clients with graphic and web design as well as other marketing needs since 2012. She loves everything about the Foggy Bottom community and is assisting with FBA's communications and preferred merchant program.

  • Will's home in Snows Court holds special significance, as it originally served as his college rental. Through DC Tenant Rights programs, he was able to purchase the property in February 2000 while completing his undergraduate degrees in American Studies and Geography at George Washington University's Columbian School. During his studies, Will authored numerous papers and a thesis on DC's historic alley-dwelling communities, focusing on urban planning and often using Snows Court and Foggy Bottom as key case studies. In addition to being a proud homeowner, Will is a dedicated real estate agent. He is easily recognized when accompanied by his loyal companion, Kai, a large and friendly German Shepherd.

  • Rene Biel has been a resident of the West End and Foggy Bottom neighborhoods for 18 years. She and her husband, Howard, moved to the District after spending 21 years raising their three sons in nearby Bethesda. During that time, Rene was an active member of the PTA board and participated in various volunteer organizations, including The Book Buddies Program at Abram Simon Elementary School and The Jewish Council for the Aging. She also served as the Community Service Coordinator for Georgetown Day School. Rene holds a BA in Humanities with an English major from Ohio State University and an MA in Literature from American University. After completing her graduate studies, she joined the College Writing Faculty at American University’s Department of Literature, where she also worked as a writing tutor for students with learning disabilities. Upon the arrival of her six grandchildren, Rene retired from her position at AU to dedicate more time to her family. Her interests span literature, psychoanalytic studies, mental health education, family, friends, film, and travel.

advisory board

  • Scott Wayne is an international destination development strategist with 25+ years of experience focused on sustainable destination development, creative industries, and management for both public and private sector clients and organizations. He specializes in applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals to infrastructure, public-private partnerships, MSME visitor economy development, economic and environmental impact assessments, investment, marketing, cultural heritage product development, policy making and strategic planning for inclusive sustainable destination development. His clients have included the Asian Development Bank, World Bank, World Trade Organization, USAID, private sector, governments, and non-governmental organizations in more than 70 countries in every region, with emphasis on GCC countries. In addition, Scott was Adjunct Faculty of Destination Planning for more than 15 years at George Washington University and Georgetown University; the Main Street Program featured in his destination planning courses at both universities.

  • Mary Ellen Signorille has been practicing in the field of employee benefits for over 40 years. Previously, Ms. Signorille worked for AARP and its affiliated charitable arm, AARP Foundation, filing amicus curiae briefs on employee benefits issues in cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, and federal and state courts. She also drafted AARP comments to the three regulatory agencies charged with enforcing ERISA. She is a Past President of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, a former Plaintiff’s Co-Chair of the EBC and Past Chair of the JCEB. Ms. Signorille was chosen as one of the top benefits lawyers in the country by The National Law Journal. She most recently was the Editor in Chief of BNA/Bloomberg’s Employee Benefits Law treatise. Ms. Signorille received her undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from SUNY at Buffalo; her law degree from Catholic University Law School and her masters in Labor Law from Georgetown University Law Center. Outside of work endeavors, she was elected as President of the HOA at MacArthur Park community in Cabin John. She is also a former board member of the Foggy Bottom Association. 

  • Sara Makaretz moved to Foggy Bottom in 2022 after living in downtown Boston for 8 years. She graduated from Tufts University in 2014  with a B.S. (cum laude) in Clinical Psychology and now works as a clinical senior scientist in neurology and biopharma.  On the leading edge of technology and the behavioral sciences, Sara intersects her degree in psychology with artificial intelligence to assist clinicians and patients better understand and embrace next generation health.  Sara loves the convenience of living within walking distance to diverse types of businesses for shopping, errands, and meeting friends. Sara is eager to support the Foggy Bottom West End Main Street initiative and join a diverse board whose goal is to strengthen the commercial corridors and help the neighborhood reach its potential for the people who live, work, and study here. 

  • Charlyn most recently served as President of the Junior League of Washington (JLW), a 2,300-member organization based near the Foggy Bottom area in Georgetown. JLW is dedicated to advancing women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training. Under her leadership, JLW continues to partner with community leaders, organizations, and businesses to host impactful events and programming throughout the region. She has 5 years experience serving on the JLW Board of Directors and her eighth year in leadership within the organization. Professionally, she is a lawyer-lobbyist and serves as Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Broadcasters. Prior to this role, she served as a Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill. She brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, economic development, and community engagement, and has served on the boards of the Public Affairs Council, the National Bar Association, and the Washington Bar Association. In 2023, she completed the Leadership Greater Washington Signature Program, a rigorous 10-month experience designed to connect leaders and deepen understanding of regional civic challenges through education and collaboration.

  • Sunil Sehgal is an accomplished executive with more than a decade of experience leading organizational development and global transformation within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Oak Barrel Inc., where he brings a strategic and entrepreneurial approach to leadership. In addition to his corporate endeavors, Sunil is the owner of Watergate Vintners and Spirits, a premier liquor store located in the iconic Watergate Shops next to the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. The store officially opened on May 26, 2017, and is open daily to residents and visitors in the Foggy Bottom West End community. Watergate Vintners and Spirits boasts an extensive collection of fine wines, premium spirits, and craft beers, and features a dedicated tasting area offering selections from around the world. Through his combined business ventures, Sunil Sehgal continues to cultivate community engagement and elevate the consumer experience in both the corporate and retail spheres.

  • Kimberly A. Carter, MBA is a strategic sales and partnership leader with over a decade of experience driving growth for top organizations including Amazon Web Services, Salesforce, and UnitedHealthcare. In her current role as a Senior Client Executive at Salesforce, she supports key public sector clients such as the Department of Justice, GSA, Executive Office of the President, and national political committees. A passionate advocate for economic development and community empowerment, Kimberly brings deep expertise in strategic relationship management, public-private partnerships, and nonprofit leadership. She has served as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for the Committee for a Better New Orleans, Director of Marketing for the National Sales Network, and Director of Communications for the Tulane Black Business Student Association during her time as an MBA student at Tulane University. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Washington. Based in Washington, D.C., Kimberly is passionate about strengthening communities and supporting inclusive economic growth. She looks forward to contributing her experience and energy to advancing the mission of Foggy Bottom West End Main Street and helping shape a thriving, connected neighborhood.

  • Diana Bulger is the Area Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown, where she leads the hotel’s public relations, community engagement, media outreach, strategic partnerships, specialty events, and sustainability initiatives. Her role is central to shaping the hotel's brand presence and fostering meaningful connections within the Washington, D.C. community. Under her leadership, the Fairmont has launched high-profile initiatives such as the unveiling of the Nearest Green Suite, a collaboration that honors African American heritage and supports educational advancement. She also curates seasonal experiences like the Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea and the hotel’s annual gingerbread house display, both of which have become beloved traditions in the city. Diana is recognized for her creative storytelling and commitment to community service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped coordinate weekly meal donations to first responders, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a civic partner. A passionate advocate for placemaking and cultural engagement, Diana continues to elevate the Fairmont’s profile while promoting inclusive, community-centered hospitality experiences in the nation’s capital.

  • With over 30 years of experience in both nonprofit and for-profit leadership, Paul Ruppert is dedicated to transforming communities through economic development, entrepreneurship, and collaborative leadership. As President & CEO of the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, he spearheaded the modernization of the nation’s oldest public market system, securing over $16.5 million in funding and leading the revitalization of Lexington and Hollins Markets. His work focuses on fostering sustainable growth by supporting local businesses, enhancing workforce development, and creating inclusive public spaces. Previously, Paul founded and led Warehouse Industries, where he developed award-winning restaurants, bars, and arts spaces that helped shape Washington, D.C.’s cultural and economic landscape. His expertise spans business incubation, public-private partnerships, and historic preservation, with a proven track record of bringing transformative projects from vision to execution. A firm believer in the power of placemaking, Paul thrives at the intersection of commerce, culture, and community, and is passionate about driving impactful urban and economic development.