Staff

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The Dacor Staff takes pride in its service to member and clients. Please let us know how we can help you! DACOR's phone number is 202.682.0500; staff extensions are listed below.

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Executive Staff

John Bradshaw
Executive Director



John Bradshaw became the Executive Director of DACOR and the DACOR Bacon House Foundation in February 2019. He is a former Foreign Service Officer and has spent a number of years managing non-profit organizations. Prior to coming to DACOR, Bradshaw was the Executive Director of the National Security Network, a foreign policy think tank, and also Executive Director of the Enough Project, an anti-genocide advocacy project of the Center for American Progress. Previously, during his 14 years as a Foreign Service Officer, he served in Maracaibo, Venezuela, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Rangoon, Burma as well as in Washington where he was assigned to the East Asian (EAP) and Human Rights (DRL) bureaus. Bradshaw also worked as a Foreign Policy Advisor to two U.S. Senators, Paul Wellstone and Robert Torricelli, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  He began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines. Bradshaw currently serves on the Board of Directors of Disability Rights International. He has a B.A. in Political Science from Yale University and a J.D. from New York University School of Law.   He lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife Jennifer Windsor and son Jackson. 

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Meg Sharley
Director of Operations

Meg commenced work at DACOR 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.

At DACOR Meg reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the upkeep and preservation of the DACOR Bacon House, and the sale and execution of private events. She manages the House Staff and ensures the readiness of the house, grounds, and kitchen for all programs and private events. Meg works closely with professional contractors and the House and Garden committee in accordance with the regulations of the National Trust of Historic Preservation. In addition, Meg supports the Library and Historical Committee, the Memorial Committee and the Docent Program.

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Jared Hughes
Director of Development

Jared Hughes is passionate about connecting people to shared interests and values through transformational philanthropy. As Director of Development with DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation, Jared fosters and deepens relationships with generous supporters who are committed to advancing diplomacy, the Foreign Service, and public understanding of diplomacy, and preserving the historic DACOR Bacon House in the President’s Neighborhood. He is delighted to bring to this role two decades of career experience in leadership and legacy gift planning, combined with a lifetime interest in international diplomacy and historic preservation. Jared holds a degree in Journalism from American University’s School of Communication, where he had the special opportunity to serve as Special Assistant to Václav Havel's Press Secretary at Prague Castle. He holds a certificate from the College of William & Mary’s Planned Giving Institute. He enjoys traveling internationally while calling the Washington, D.C. capital region home. A proud father and devoted husband, Jared lives with his family in Takoma Park, Maryland.

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Abdul Raheem Raheem (Goes by Raheem)
Director of Finance

Abdul Raheem 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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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, receptions 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.

As a Foreign Service Officer's dependent, Christine lived in many countries growing up. After graduating from the University of Chicago, she worked in Japan as an English teacher with the JET Program and then at a Maryland bakery specializing in decorated cookie arrangements amongst other positions

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Vacant

Administrative Assistant


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Aubrey Puranda
Staff Accountant

Aubrey graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in International Business and Finance. After graduation, he became a Financial Service Intern at Transamerica World Financial Group. Later, he was introduced to the non-profit world as an Accounting Assistant at the Center of Hearing and Communication, a non-profit rehabilitation center whose mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive services to empower people affected by hearing loss, deafness or listening challenges.

Aubrey joins DACOR as the staff accountant in May of 2018. His 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.

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Sylvia Whitaker
Events Assistant

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. 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.

Sylvia has volunteered in U.S. embassies in Mexico, Chile and Switzerland and looks forward to applying her skills at DACOR to continue to contribute to the success of its operations.

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Audrey Straw
Program Intern

Audrey is a first year International Development M.A. candidate at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, with a concentration in Inclusive Development and Conflict. She was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts and completed her undergraduate degree in International Relations with minors in Anthropology, Public Policy, and Theater at the University of Massachusetts Boston. She was the president of her university’s Model United Nations team. In addition, Audrey was a Public Policy and International Affairs fellow at Princeton University in 2021.

Audrey became interested in international affairs while competing in Model United Nations conferences in high school. It was through this experience where she gained insight into how the international system functions and gained a wider awareness of the issues impacting individuals internationally. She realized the impact programming can have on the development within nations and seeks to learn more about the decisions made in Washington, DC and beyond that impact this. She is excited to start working alongside so many knowledgeable individuals at DACOR as she gains a new perspective on foreign service.

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House Staff


José Aleman
Caretaker

From the moment you arrive to your time of departure, José is there to assist. Whether you need help with bundles, a spare umbrella, a taxi, or simply a warm smile, José will lend a hand.


Efrain Villegas
Weekend Caretaker

Efrain serves our weekend guests and assists with weekend events. If you are arriving or staying at the House Friday through Sunday evenings, Efrain is here to help.



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Kitchen Staff


Robert Moore
Executive Chef

Robert BJ Moore has been involved in the culinary arts for over 20 years. He believes that as a Chef you should never limit yourself, and that's why he has worked in various sectors within the culinary field ranging from senior living to fine dining. He started his culinary journey at a B&B in Virginia where he obtained a Four Diamond rating for the establishment. He has had the privilege of sharing his craft and receiving accolades with people from around the world, but his biggest accomplishment is his family.


Alba Molina
Front of House and Beverage Manager

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.