Arlen Herrell
Arlen Herrell serves as the Deputy Director of Innovation and Partnerships at the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES). In this role, he oversees the Bureau of Innovation and Partnerships, which includes the DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) and the Office of Talent and Client Services (OTCS). The Bureau of Innovation and Partnerships is responsible for providing skilled training, business engagement, and career assistance to thousands of District residents annually. Previously Herrell was the Associate Director of the DC Infrastructure Academy, where he played a key role in launching and expanding the program. Since its inception in 2018, DCIA has successfully served over 4,000 residents and gained national recognition from the Biden Administration.
Before joining DOES, Herrell served as the External Affairs Manager for the City Administrator of the District of Columbia. In this capacity, he maintained strong relationships with various regional and national stakeholders, including the Metro Washington Council of Governments, the DC Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the US Conference of Mayors, and the National League of Cities. Additionally, Herrell played a pivotal role in establishing the DC Infrastructure Academy.
During the Obama Administration, Herrell was appointed as the Deputy Director for Intergovernmental Affairs at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In this role, he served as the liaison between the agency and state and local governments. Herrell played a vital role in supporting the agency's disaster relief efforts and helped secure funds for the affected regions.
Furthermore, Herrell has served as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the City of Cincinnati, OH where he was responsible for managing the city's relationships with state and federal entities, as well as overseeing the city's eight international Sister City relationships. Notably, Herrell facilitated the establishment of Cincinnati's first new Sister City in 20 years, Mysore, India, and initiated a student exchange program with New Taipei City, Taiwan. He attended the University of Cincinnati, where he served as the undergraduate member of the Board of Trustees, and from which he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government.