Together we're creating a tobacco-free community.
We are a coalition of Washington, DC organizations and individual partners working together to educate the community of the effects and the harm of tobacco and second hand smoke.
COALITION
LEADERSHIP TEAM
CHAIR
Vacant
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Charles Debnam
African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council
VICE CHAIR
Vacant
SECRETARY
Jennifer Dorsey
Triple Track Treatment: Smoking & Vaping Cessation
COMMUNICATIONS &
OUTREACH CHAIR
Vacant
POLICY CHAIR
Liz Furgurson (interim) Action on Smoking and Health
PROGRAM CHAIR
Vacant
RESEARCH CHAIR I
Dr. Debra Bernat George Washington University
RESEARCH CHAIR II Dr. Niharika Khanna University of Maryland
SUSTAINABILITY CHAIR
Charles Debnam African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council
YOUTH PROGRAMS CHAIR
Daria Leon Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
MEMBER AT-LARGE I Pamela Rao Kavali Consulting LLC
MEMBER AT-LARGE II Dr. Susan Walley Children's National Hospital
EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR Nichelle Gray-Lkhagvadorj Action on Smoking and Health
DC HEALTH LIAISON
Carrie Dahlquist
FISCAL AGENT
REPRESENTATIVE
Leadership Council for Healthier Communities (LCHC)
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS &
COALITION SUPPORTERS
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society Cancer
Action Network
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
AmeriHealth
Caritas District of Columbia
Breathe DC
Bridging Resources in Communities (BRIC)
Bridgepoint Hospital
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Catholic Charities of DC
Children's National Health System
Community Wellness Alliance
Damien Ministries
Deanwood Citizens Association
Edgewood/Brookland Family Support Collaborative
Greater Washington Urban League
Howard University
Howard University Cancer Center
Kaiser Permanente
Mary's Center
Medical Society of the District of Columbia
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
MedStar Washington Hospital
M.I. Mother's Keeper
Pfizer
Prevent Cancer Foundation
Sibley Memorial Hospital
The George Washington University Cancer Center The George Washington University Hospital
Total Family Care Coalition
Truth Initiative
United Medical Center
University of the District of Columbia
Ward 8 Health Council
Washington Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Washington DC Pharmacy Association
YMCA of Metropolitan Washington
ZuriWorks
Coalition Leadership Descriptions
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Position Overview
The Chairperson provides overall leadership, coordination, and administrative oversight of the DC Tobacco-Free Coalition. This position ensures the Coalition operates effectively, advances its mission, and maintains strong relationships with members, partners, and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Governance
Preside over Coalition membership meetings and Executive Board meetings.
Provide strategic direction and leadership in collaboration with the Executive Board.
Oversee meeting arrangements, agendas, and notices.
Facilitate discussion, decision-making, and follow-through on Board priorities.
Exercise voting authority in the event of a tie, as specified in the bylaws.
Ensure Board activities and decisions remain consistent with Coalition bylaws.
Organizational Oversight
Oversee the activities of the Fiscal Agent and ensure the integrity of fiduciary responsibilities.
Monitor progress toward Coalition goals and strategic priorities.
Encourage participation and accountability among Executive Board members.
Identify opportunities to strengthen Coalition operations and membership engagement.
External Representation
Represent the Coalition at meetings, public events, and stakeholder discussions.
Build relationships with government agencies, community organizations, and tobacco control partners.
Serve as a primary spokesperson when appropriate.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Lead Executive Board planning and priority-setting discussions.
Oversee preparation for regular Coalition membership meetings.
Provide leadership support for DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit.
Coordinate with the Secretary and other Board members on governance, nominations, and leadership transitions.
Review annual Coalition accomplishments and priorities for the upcoming year.
Expected Deliverables
Executive Board meeting agendas and leadership updates.
Annual priorities and progress updates.
Coordination of Board decisions and follow-up actions.
Oversight of fiscal and organizational accountability.
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Position Overview
The Vice Chairperson supports the Chairperson in leading the Coalition and helps ensure continuity of leadership and operations. The Vice Chairperson serves in the Chairperson's place when needed and may assume responsibility for special initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Perform the duties of the Chairperson in their absence or at their request.
Assist with Coalition planning, governance, and Executive Board coordination.
Support implementation of strategic priorities and Board decisions.
Help identify operational challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Represent the Coalition at external meetings and public events when designated.
Serve as a liaison among committees or lead special projects as assigned.
Support leadership development, member engagement, and succession planning.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Assist with annual planning and Executive Board coordination.
Support major Coalition initiatives, including DC Calls It Quits Week.
Participate in membership engagement and leadership recruitment.
Provide continuity during Chairperson absences or transitions.
Expected Deliverables
Updates on assigned projects and initiatives.
Leadership support for Board and Coalition activities.
Recommendations to strengthen Coalition effectiveness.
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Position Overview
The Secretary supports the Coalition's governance, administrative organization, membership tracking, and recordkeeping. This position helps ensure that Coalition activities and decisions are properly documented and communicated.
Key Responsibilities
Governance and Documentation
Provide oversight in reviewing agendas, bylaws, and meeting minutes presented to the Executive Board and Coalition membership.
Maintain organized records of Coalition meetings, decisions, and governance documents.
Track action items and decisions requiring follow-up.
Assist with reviewing and updating governance documents when needed.
Meeting Coordination
Give or arrange for notices of Committee Chair meetings.
Coordinate with the Chairperson on meeting schedules, agendas, and materials.
Support accurate documentation of Executive Board and membership meetings.
Membership Administration
Maintain or oversee an accurate Coalition membership roster.
Track membership participation and relevant contact information.
Support membership outreach, onboarding, and record updates.
Assist with administrative aspects of nominations and elections as directed by the Executive Board.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Maintain current membership and Board rosters.
Support Executive Board and general membership meeting documentation.
Assist with annual nominations, elections, and leadership transitions.
Maintain accessible records for incoming Board members.
Expected Deliverables
Accurate meeting minutes and governance records.
Updated membership and Board rosters.
Meeting notices and administrative documentation.
Organized records of Board decisions and action items.
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Position Overview
The Programs Chair leads the planning, development, and coordination of Coalition educational programs, events, and community initiatives. This position plays a central role in translating Coalition priorities into meaningful activities that educate, engage, and support DC residents and tobacco control partners.
The Programs Chair serves as the primary planning lead for DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual DC Tobacco-Free Coalition Summit, working collaboratively with the Executive Board, committee members, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
Program Planning and Development
Lead development of an annual program calendar aligned with Coalition priorities.
Identify educational topics, speakers, and program opportunities.
Coordinate webinars, workshops, community events, and special initiatives.
Promote evidence-based approaches to tobacco prevention, cessation, and health equity.
Work with the Researcher/Clinician representatives to incorporate current research and public health data.
DC Calls It Quits Week
Lead planning and coordination of the annual DC Calls It Quits Week.
Develop a planning timeline and coordinate the work of participating committees.
Collaborate with community partners to identify and organize events and activities throughout the week.
Coordinate planning for the annual Coalition Summit, including the agenda, speakers, session topics, and program flow.
Work with the Communications Chair to develop promotional timelines and materials.
Coordinate with the Sustainability Chair on sponsorships, donations, and in-kind support.
Support volunteer coordination, event logistics, and post-event follow-up.
Collect event participation data and feedback to evaluate success.
Program Evaluation
Monitor participation, engagement, and program outcomes.
Gather feedback from participants and community partners.
Identify opportunities to improve or expand Coalition programming.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Develop and maintain the annual Coalition program calendar.
Convene the Programs Committee at least quarterly.
Lead planning meetings for DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit, with increased frequency as the events approach.
Coordinate educational activities and partnerships throughout the year.
Prepare post-event summaries and recommendations.
Expected Deliverables
Annual program calendar.
DC Calls It Quits Week planning timeline and event schedule.
Annual Summit program, agenda, and speaker coordination.
Program participation and evaluation summaries.
Quarterly Programs Committee updates to the Executive Board.
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Position Overview
The Sustainability Chair leads efforts to strengthen the Coalition's long-term sustainability by identifying funding opportunities, developing partnerships, and securing financial and in-kind resources to support Coalition activities.
Key Responsibilities
Resource Development
Identify potential sponsors, donors, grant opportunities, and in-kind supporters.
Develop relationships with organizations interested in supporting tobacco prevention and public health.
Coordinate member participation in fundraising and resource development activities.
Explore opportunities for ongoing support of Coalition initiatives.
Event and Program Support
Work with the Programs Chair to identify resources needed for DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit.
Coordinate outreach to potential event sponsors and in-kind contributors.
Assist with securing venues, refreshments, printing, supplies, and other resources when appropriate.
Help ensure available resources are allocated effectively.
Sustainability Planning
Develop recommendations for long-term Coalition sustainability.
Coordinate with the Chairperson and Fiscal Agent on resource-related matters.
Promote transparency and accountability in resource development.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Develop an annual resource development plan.
Identify sponsorship and in-kind support opportunities for major Coalition activities.
Maintain relationships with existing and prospective supporters.
Review resource needs and opportunities with the Executive Board.
Expected Deliverables
Annual sustainability and resource development plan.
Sponsorship and partnership outreach materials.
Resource and in-kind contribution tracking.
Quarterly funding and sustainability updates.
OUR MISSION
The Coalition’s mission is to improve the health of the District of Columbia residents by decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use and exposure through education, public policy, and advocacy using culturally and linguistically competent approaches.
LEADERSHIP
The Coalition Executive Committee is composed of three Executive Officers, the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary, and four committee chairs, which include: Program, Policy, Communications & Outreach and Sustainability. Chairs for Research and Youth Programs round out the leadership team.
DC Tobacco Free Coalition is supported by a grant from the DC Department of Health (DC Health). We are grateful for DC Health's partnership and continued support.
COALITION LEADERSHIP DESCRIPTIONS (CONTINUED)
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Position Overview
The Policy Chair guides the Coalition's tobacco control advocacy priorities and supports efforts to advance equitable, evidence-based policies that protect DC residents from tobacco and nicotine-related harms.
Key Responsibilities
Policy Monitoring and Analysis
Monitor DC legislation, regulations, and policy proposals related to tobacco control.
Track relevant national developments that may affect local policy.
Identify policy gaps, emerging challenges, and opportunities for Coalition engagement.
Work with researchers and public health partners to support evidence-based policy recommendations.
Advocacy and Mobilization
Develop recommendations for Coalition policy priorities.
Coordinate policy education, advocacy alerts, and opportunities for member engagement.
Support preparation of testimony, letters, policy briefs, and public comments.
Build relationships with advocacy organizations, community stakeholders, and policymakers.
Coordinate Coalition participation in relevant hearings and policy discussions.
Coalition Coordination
Work with the Communications Chair on policy-related messaging.
Collaborate with the Youth Representative to incorporate youth perspectives.
Present policy positions and recommendations to the Executive Board for review and alignment.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Develop or update annual policy priorities.
Monitor relevant DC Council and regulatory activities.
Convene the Policy Committee at least quarterly, with additional meetings as needed.
Coordinate policy-related member engagement and advocacy opportunities.
Provide timely updates on significant legislative or regulatory developments.
Expected Deliverables
Annual policy priorities and advocacy recommendations.
Legislative and regulatory tracking updates.
Draft testimony, policy briefs, or advocacy communications as needed.
Quarterly Policy Committee reports.
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Position Overview
The Communications Chair leads efforts to increase public awareness of the Coalition, promote its programs and advocacy priorities, and strengthen engagement with members and community partners.
Key Responsibilities
Communications Strategy
Develop and coordinate the Coalition's annual communications plan.
Maintain consistent messaging, branding, and visual identity.
Identify opportunities to increase awareness of the Coalition's mission and activities.
Collaborate with other Board members to communicate Coalition priorities.
Digital Communications
Oversee Coalition website content and updates.
Coordinate social media content and posting schedules.
Develop and distribute newsletters, announcements, and member updates.
Promote partner activities and member accomplishments.
Event and Campaign Promotion
Lead communications and promotional planning for DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit.
Develop promotional graphics, registration announcements, and event reminders.
Coordinate event-related messaging with the Programs Chair.
Support public awareness campaigns and Coalition advocacy initiatives.
Share post-event recaps, photos, and highlights.
Member Engagement
Promote Coalition meetings, volunteer opportunities, and participation.
Support outreach for Executive Board nominations and elections.
Coordinate with the Secretary to maintain effective member communications.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Develop an annual communications calendar.
Coordinate promotion of Coalition meetings and major initiatives.
Lead communications for DC Calls It Quits Week.
Support annual Executive Board nomination announcements.
Prepare periodic newsletters and Coalition updates.
Convene the Communications Committee at least quarterly.
Expected Deliverables
Annual communications calendar.
Social media and website content.
Newsletters and member announcements.
Event promotional materials and post-event recaps.
Quarterly communications updates.
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Position Overview
The Youth Representative ensures that the perspectives, experiences, and priorities of young people are reflected in the Coalition's programs, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Youth Engagement
Represent youth perspectives during Executive Board discussions.
Identify tobacco and nicotine-related concerns affecting DC youth.
Help connect the Coalition with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community programs.
Encourage meaningful youth participation in Coalition initiatives.
Programs and Advocacy
Advise on youth-focused tobacco prevention, cessation, and education activities.
Collaborate with the Programs Chair to incorporate youth participation into DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit.
Work with the Policy Chair to bring youth perspectives into advocacy priorities.
Support development of youth-friendly outreach and communications.
Leadership Development
Encourage youth leadership and peer engagement.
Identify opportunities for youth presentations, campaigns, and community participation.
Support activities that amplify youth voices without treating youth participation as merely symbolic.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Participate in Executive Board meetings and planning discussions.
Support youth involvement in DC Calls It Quits Week.
Identify youth engagement opportunities throughout the year.
Provide youth-related recommendations at least quarterly.
Expected Deliverables
Youth engagement recommendations.
Support for youth-focused programs and outreach.
Connections with youth-serving organizations.
Updates on youth priorities and participation.
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Position Overview
Researcher/Clinician Representatives provide scientific, academic, and healthcare expertise to strengthen the Coalition's evidence-based programs, advocacy, and community education efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Evidence
Share relevant research findings, public health data, and emerging trends.
Help identify evidence-based strategies for tobacco prevention and cessation.
Advise on the interpretation and appropriate use of research.
Identify opportunities for research collaboration and program evaluation.
Clinical and Public Health Expertise
Provide insight into tobacco-related health disparities and community health needs.
Support connections with healthcare providers, academic institutions, and clinical partners.
Identify opportunities to strengthen access to cessation education and resources.
Help ensure Coalition materials reflect current scientific evidence.
Program and Policy Support
Collaborate with the Programs Chair on educational content and speaker recommendations.
Support the Policy Chair with research and evidence for advocacy activities.
Participate in the annual summit as speakers, advisors, or content reviewers when appropriate.
Provide technical review of Coalition materials when requested.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Share relevant research or clinical updates with the Executive Board.
Support educational programming and annual summit planning.
Participate in research-informed policy and program discussions.
Provide findings and recommendations at least quarterly.
Expected Deliverables
Research and clinical updates.
Evidence-based recommendations for Coalition initiatives.
Technical input on educational and advocacy materials.
Connections to academic and healthcare partners.
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Position Overview
Members At-Large provide flexible leadership and support across Coalition priorities. These positions help ensure the Executive Board benefits from diverse member perspectives while strengthening participation in programs, advocacy, outreach, and special initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Coalition Engagement
Represent the perspectives and interests of Coalition members.
Participate in strategic planning and Executive Board discussions.
Identify opportunities to strengthen membership engagement and participation.
Help connect Coalition leadership with community organizations and stakeholders.
Project and Committee Support
Assist with Coalition initiatives based on organizational priorities.
Support planning and implementation of DC Calls It Quits Week and the annual summit.
Participate in special projects, outreach campaigns, or working groups.
Assist other Board members when additional coordination or volunteer support is needed.
Organizational Development
Identify opportunities for new partnerships and member involvement.
Support recruitment and retention of Coalition members.
Provide feedback on Coalition activities and opportunities for improvement.
Annual and Recurring Activities
Participate in Executive Board meetings.
Support at least one major Coalition initiative or assigned project annually, as a proposed operational expectation.
Assist with DC Calls It Quits Week and other outreach activities.
Provide updates on assigned projects or committee contributions at least quarterly.
Expected Deliverables
Progress updates on assigned projects.
Support for Coalition events and initiatives.
Recommendations for strengthening member engagement.
Contributions to annual Coalition priorities.
