Staff

Alyson Reed

Executive Director

Alyson Reed joined DACOR and the DBHF as Executive Director in July, 2025. Over a professional career spanning more than three decades, Alyson has developed extensive expertise in all aspects of association and nonprofit management. Prior to joining DACOR, Alyson founded and led a successful consulting firm specializing in interim leadership engagements for the nonprofit sector.

In 2022, Alyson concluded 14 years of service as Executive Director of the Linguistic Society of America (LSA). Prior to that, Ms. Reed served as the Executive Director of the National Postdoctoral Association, the Maryland Commission for Women, and the National Committee on Pay Equity. Early in her career, Alyson managed a special grant-funded project supported by U.S.A.I.D. via the League of Women Voters Education Fund. She is a longtime advocate for historic preservation, as a member of various preservation organizations based in the nation’s capital region. Alyson holds an MA in Public Policy and Women’s Studies from the George Washington University, and a BA in English Literature from SUNY-Binghamton. She currently resides in Hyattsville, Maryland.

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Howard N. Cromwell
Director of Operations and Events

Howard joins DACOR and DBHF with more than two decades of hospitality operations leadership across complex restaurant, private club, and large-scale event environments. A mission-driven executive shaped by his service as a U.S. Army Non-Commissioned Officer, he leads with discipline, accountability, and decisive team leadership. As a proprietor, entrepreneur, consultant, Director of Operations, and General Manager, he has opened and led high-volume, high-revenue food and beverage operations exceeding $40 million annually within historic, social, educational, and cultural institutions. Recognized as one of BEIN’s 2025 Top 100 Black International Event Professionals for his global impact and industry innovation, Howard is a trusted advisor and operator known for transforming hospitality ventures into disciplined, guest-centered, revenue-performing enterprises.

At DACOR, Howard provides operational leadership across the organization and the historic DACOR Bacon House, overseeing property preservation, private event sales and execution, house staff management, and the readiness of the home, grounds, and food and beverage operations for programs and events. In partnership with executive leadership, professional contractors, and committees—working in accordance with National Trust for Historic Preservation guidelines—he stewards a uniquely multifaceted institution that integrates historic preservation, membership engagement, hospitality services, and event operations. Howard's goal is to protect legacy, strengthen infrastructure, elevate service standards, and build a disciplined operational model that ensures long-term sustainability and mission impact while aligning labor strategy, financial controls, and culture to drive performance without compromising excellence.

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Sylvia Whitaker
Events Coordinator

Sylvia took on the Events Assistant position in June 2018 after having worked at DACOR as Accountant Assistant and part of the "front of house" team. She was promoted to Events Coordinator in 2024.

Sylvia was born and grew up in Chile and is part of the Foreign Service family as the spouse of a Foreign Service Officer.  She believes that raising their four children in different countries taught them discipline and a sense of community.

Meg Sharley
Operations Advisor

Meg commenced work at DACOR as the Director of Operations in March of 2013, shortly after returning from a posting to Mexico. Meg has had the opportunity to represent the United States Government at receptions and events throughout Latin America and Europe. While posted in Mexico City, Meg worked at the U.S. Embassy, one of the largest missions overseas. Meg worked in the Management Section and Human Resources, providing support to State Department employees and their family members at post. During her time overseas, Meg has volunteered with Operation Smile and the Red Cross, coordinating their volunteers during fundraising events. She has worked for over 20 years in the food and catering industry, from small restaurants to organizing elegant balls for over a thousand people.

Christopher Vance
Development Consultant

Christopher Vance started as a Development Consultant for the DACOR Bacon House Foundation in October 2025. He has decades of experience in development and fundraising with particular emphasis in membership organizations, health-related causes, and social service non-profits. He has a successful background in donor relations, stewardship, and revenue generation. In addition, Christopher has trained many board and chapter members on all aspects of development including direct mail, foundation/corporate outreach, individual donors (including major, monthly, and planned givers), and special events.

Christopher has a great interest in history and architecture and is excited to part of the DACOR Bacon House Foundation.

Abdul Raheem (Goes by Raheem)
Director of Finance

Abdul Raheem (goes by Raheem) joined DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation in August 2022. He and his family migrated from Afghanistan in 2021 shortly before the unfortunate regime change. Raheem has predominantly worked for the public financial sector such as Central Bank of Afghanistan and the Ministry of Finance. In his most recent occupation, he served as the finance and administrative manager for the largest state utility company. In addition, he worked for international organizations such as USAID, Adam Smith International, and Deloitte in various finance-related capacities. He has a deep passion for teaching and taught many courses as adjunct faculty at the American University of Afghanistan. Raheem holds an MBA in finance and banking from University of Birmingham (UK) and was a visiting scholar to Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington. At DACOR, Raheem manages activities such as financial management, accounting, human resources, and other administrative tasks. After relocating from Maryland, Raheem lives with his wife and three kids in McLean, Virginia. He enjoys watching tennis, news and political debates and is devoted to continuous learning.

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Alexandra Pizzi

Staff Accountant

Alex grew up outside of Philadelphia and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2022 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. She began her career by joining an accounting team in Philadelphia, before joining DACOR as the Finance Assistant in November 2024. She is excited to join the team and is eager to learn more about foreign affairs through the rest of the DACOR staff and members.

Responsibilities include processing, reviewing and monitoring payments and donations; reconciling DACOR's bank accounts; following up with members and businesses to ensure invoices are paid; helping with payroll; and assisting the finance director as needed.

Christine Skodon
Director of Communications and Programs

Christine began working at DACOR in October 2014 as the Administrative Assistant. In May of 2015, she took on the role of Communications and Programs Manager and at the start of 2019 she was promoted to Director. She coordinates speaker programs, discussions, cultural and social events, and the Annual Conference, manages the Education committee's execution of six scholarship and fellowship programs, helps develop membership recruitment and retention strategies and materials, and maintains the website. She is also the editor and designer for The DACOR Bulletin.

Badiss Nouar
Communications and Programs Coordinator

Badiss Nouar joined the DACOR staff in December 2025 as the Communications and Programs Coordinator. He is a trilingual communicator with a background that blends public diplomacy, strategic messaging, and community-focused programming.

Before joining DACOR, Badiss spent four years at the U.S. Embassy in Algiers, where he supported key public diplomacy initiatives, advised on communications strategy, and helped develop programs that strengthened engagement with local communities.

Originally from North Africa, Badiss speaks Arabic, French, and English—three languages that shaped his passion for storytelling and for building bridges between cultures. Prior to his diplomatic work, Badiss spent seven years in advertising and marketing, giving him an eye for clear messaging and creative outreach.

At DACOR, he is excited to help design and support programs that highlight diplomacy, international exchange, and the rich history of this institution. Badiss is driven by the desire to create meaningful connections, welcome diverse perspectives, and contribute to a vibrant, engaged community.

Outside of work, he loves exploring D.C.’s cultural scene and cooking—usually for friends, always with lots of improvisation.

Laska Hurley

Administrative Assistant

Laska Hurley, DACOR’s Administrative Assistant started September 2025. Prior to DACOR she was an administrative assistant at the National Endowment for the Arts for 25 years

Darrylvon Smith
Head Chef

Darrylvon Smith is the Executive Chef at DACOR Bacon House. Born and raised in
Washington, D.C., he has a passion for blending cultural flavors and presenting dishes
that are almost too beautiful to eat. With a background in fine dining, Darrylvon
graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2017 and has honed his skills in
esteemed kitchens such as Fahrenheit in Chevy Chase, the Masters Tournament, and
1789.

Darrylvon's culinary philosophy is centered around the idea that "you eat with
your eyes first" - presentation is everything, and every dish is crafted with love and
attention to detail. He delights in combining unexpected ingredients and cultural
influences to create innovative, mouthwatering flavors.

A lifelong food enthusiast, Darrylvon began experimenting with cooking as a
child, requesting pans and blenders instead of toys for Christmas. He honed his skills
through cooking competitions and classes as a teenager and went on to pursue his
passion at Johnson & Wales, opening doors to work in some of the most renowned
restaurants.

At DACOR, Darrylvon is excited to bring his unique culinary vision to the table,
showcasing the best of local ingredients and cultural influences in a warm and
inviting atmosphere.

Alba has been in the DACOR Kitchen as the Assistant Chef since 1996. In 2016, she took on the new role of Front of House Manager. Instead of staying in the kitchen, she is now in charge of making sure everything is setup when needed, manages event staff and maintains the appearance of the DACOR House. Alba is also responsible for the bar stock and training the bartenders. She is always ready to talk to guests about their needs and help bring something special to events at DACOR.