JaCorey Glaude, Chief Of Professional Standards and Development 

JaCorey R. Glaude brings more than a decade of experience in Public Safety, project management, leadership, and training to the OUC. He has spent the latter part of his career in the private sector working with leading industry partners while remaining closely connected to frontline emergency communications operations. His commitment to training and professional development is demonstrated through his work as an adjunct instructor for Houston City College and NENA. A recognized Public Safety SME, Chief Glaude has traveled across the country and visited hundreds of 9-1-1 centers. He holds several respected industry credentials, including ENP, RPL, CMCP, and EID. Chief Glaude brings a unique combination of operational knowledge, industry perspective, and leadership experience.

Demeka McCleave, Wellness Coordinator

Demeka McCleave is the first Wellness Coordinator at the Office of Unified Communications. She serves as an ambassador for employee well-being. Demeka is OUC's main point of contact on wellness-related programs and campaigns, and assists DCHR with monitoring and evaluation to ensure that employees are effectively engaged with substantive programming. She encourages employee participation in wellness activities and creates enthusiasm around leading a healthy lifestyle.

Gavin Suares, Chief Information Officer

Gavin Suares is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Office of Unified Communications and has served in this role since August 2023. As the CIO, he is responsible for the formulation and execution of the OUC’s technology roadmap while aligning it with the agency’s mission. He oversees the agency’s network infrastructure, the District’s Citywide radio system, and 911 Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD). Mr. Suares joined the OUC in May 2022 as an IT Program Manager. Prior to joining the OUC, he worked as a consultant with Televate, LLC. for 15 years supporting major radio and CAD projects. He is Center Manager Certified by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

Kipling Ross, Interim Chief of Staff

Kip, a native Washingtonian, has served the District government for 27 years. As the Program Manager of financial operations for the Office of Unified Communications (OUC), he has led the OUC’s annual operating and capital budget development and execution since 2005. During his tenure, the OUC’s annual budget increased by 140% and 131 operational FTEs. Facilities management is also included Kip’s professional portfolio, and several highly successful capital improvement projects, such as the opening of the Unified Communications Center, remodeling of the UCC operations floor, and the renovation of the Public Safety Communications Center, were completed under his leadership. Prior to his decades-long tenure with OUC, Kip served as Financial Manager within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, where he managed the finances and created a payment process for the newly formed DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program. This payment process remains in place today and has supported thousands of District youths in their post-high school academic journeys.

James Underwood, Interim General Counsel

James C. Underwood III, Esq. spent the last five years as a Trial Attorney with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG), where he served as lead counsel in high stakes litigation before D.C. Superior Court and the U.S. District Court, securing dispositive rulings and favorable trial outcomes on behalf of the District of Columbia. Before joining OAG, James served as a Staff Attorney at the NYC Commission on Human Rights, where he investigated and prosecuted discrimination claims and provided training and legal guidance on the New York City Human Rights Law. His background also includes employment litigation at Wigdor LLP, and a judicial clerkship with the Superior Court of New Jersey.

James is a graduate of Howard University School of Law and is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia, New York, and multiple federal courts.

Marcellus Walker Jr., Chief of 311 Operations

Marcellus Walker Jr. joined the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) in January 2008, and currently serves as the Chief of 311 Operations. He brings over twelve years of experience in customer service, employee advocacy, and leadership in the public sector. He is a graduate of DC Government’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) program in partnership with George Washington University and is Center Manager Certified by the National Emergency Number Association (NENA). An experienced 311 professional, he has worked in a variety of positions at OUC throughout his career. He began on the front line as a Customer Service Representative, an Operations Supervisor, and eventually advanced to 311 Operations Manager. In his current role as Chief of 311 Operations, Marcellus is responsible for the day-to-day planning, coordinating, and business development of the 311 Call Center Operation.