Chief of Staff
Raessa is a highly skilled public-sector strategist with over a decade of experience in driving system-level changes across both federal and local government. Prior to joining DHS, she served as the first Senior Policy Advisor on Homelessness at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) where she developed national strategies to reduce homelessness for youth and families, and built partnerships across federal, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors.
Before federal service, Raessa was instrumental in leading the District’s $350 million COVID-19 rental and utility assistance program, known as STAY DC at DHS. Additionally, she managed DC’s Mental Health Block Grant and spearheaded operational improvements at the DC Department of Behavioral Health.
Raessa holds dual master’s degrees in public health and social work from Boston University and resides in Southeast DC.