Wednesday, June 25: Critical Dialogues Series: Jim Dinegar, the President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade

/ Washington Internship Institute/

On Wednesday, June 25 from 12:00 - 1:00pm, the Washington Internship Institute will welcome Jim Dinegar, the President and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, as the latest speaker in our Critical Dialogues Series.

As president and CEO, Dinegar oversees an organization that represents major business interests throughout Northern Virginia, the District of Columbia and Suburban Maryland. The Board of Trade puts its focus on the critical issues facing the Greater Washington Region: transportation; emergency preparedness and business continuity; green as a competitive advantage; and the workforce in regards to recruiting and retaining highly qualified people.

The Board of Trade is steadily growing in size and influence as it celebrates its 120th year of existence. Throughout its history, the Board of Trade has been instrumental in creating and protecting the environs of Greater Washington for the population and business.
Before coming to the Board of Trade, Jim Dinegar served as chief operating officer of the American Institute for Architects (AIA) where he was responsible for the overall operation of a 77,000-member organization and directed strategic efforts in the areas of education, technology, international collaboration, organizational alliances and government advocacy.

During his six-year tenure, Dinegar oversaw the growth of annual revenues by more than $20 million – from $34 million in 1999 to over $56 million for the 2006 budget – always resulting in net operating profits.

Dinegar is a 30-year resident of the Greater Washington region. He is a graduate of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and he resides in Arlington, VA with his young children, Abby and Ben.

Space is limited, please RSVP to joshua@wiidc.org to reserve your spot. 

*Photo courtesy of CUA Today

 

Critical Dialogues Series: Life Lessons Learned While Fighting Crime with Mr. Joseph Persichini, Executive Director of the Washington DC Police Foundation

/ Washington Internship Institute/

On April 23, Mr. Joseph Persichini spoke during the final spring installment of the Critical Dialogues Series, detailing “Life Lessons Learned While Fighting Crime.” Mr. Persichini has had a distinguished career with the FBI for 30 years and served as the Director of the Washington Field Office for the FBI.  He is now the Executive Director of the Washington DC Police Foundation. The Washington DC Police Foundation brings together business, civic, nonprofit and professional communities and individuals to promote public safety through support of Chief Cathy Lanier and the Metropolitan Police Department.

Mr. Persichini highlighted many of the characteristics and skills that he had observed in the best leaders he ever worked with during his time at the FBI. He also spoke of the importance in education and mentoring for young people in preventing crime from becoming endemic. 

 

Critical Dialogues Series: My Washington Journey a Conversation with Catherine Merrill Williams, President and Publisher, Washington Media

/ Washington Internship Institute/

On March 19, Catherine Merrill Williams, President and Publisher at Washington Media spoke to students about her Washington journey.  Ms. Williams is the president of the Washingtonian Media which publishes the Washingtonian Magazine.  

During the discussion, Catherine described the long hours spent as a consultant and the sacrifices she made on her way to becoming President and Publisher at Washington Media. She also provided the students with key tips on the importance of networking with colleagues at work, even if that means babysitting their children, how to stay positive while working such long hours, and where to eat in Washington, DC!