New Congressioal Black Caucus Foundation President

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation elected A. Shuanise Washington as its new president and CEOA in February. Shuanise Washington succeeded Dr. Elsie Scott as the new president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF). 

Dr. Elsie Scott served as CBCF’s president and CEO from 2006-2012.  Scott left to assume leadership of the newly established Ron W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center at Howard University.

Shaunise Washington

Washington is a Columbia, S.C., native, graduated from the University of South Carolina and had a successful career as a corporate executive at Altria Corporate Services, Inc. (the parent company of Philip Morris USA).  Washington became vice president of external affairs at Altria before retiring after 22 years in 2008, at age 45, to pursue a career as an entrepreneur.  Shuanise started Washington Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm that provided management and development services to small, medium and large businesses, governments and non-profit organizations.

Washington helped steer significant financial support to the organization resulting in Altria becoming its first major corporate sponsor. Altria’s philanthropy propelled Washington on the CBCF Board of Directors, first as treasurer and later as vice president.    She served as the board chair upon the death of Rep. Donald M. Payne in March 2012.

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy, research and educational institute that aims to help improve the socioeconomic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities. With the support of the African American members of Congress, which today total 46, the CBCF develops programs and research to address public health concerns, economic empowerment and health disparities. Fellowship and internship programs expose African American students and professionals to public policy and public service opportunities on Capitol and in state and federal governments. (Washington Informer, 9/11/2013)