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Councilmember

Wendell Felder

Wendell Felder is a proud fourth-generation Washingtonian and dedicated community leader in Ward 7. He was born, and raised in Southeast Washington, D.C., and is a graduate of DCPS. Mr. Felder has devoted his entire professional career to improving the quality of life for D.C. residents through his work as a public servant. Mr. Felder has served in several roles across local government including the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS), the Office of the City Administrator, and the Deputy Mayor’s Office for Planning and Economic Development.

After leaving district government, Mr. Felder served as the Director of Community Affairs at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medicine, where he evaluated high-impact community engagement solutions designed to support community needs and address healthcare inequities throughout the District of Columbia. Recently, Mr. Felder worked in higher education at Howard University.

Mr. Felder also served as a four-term Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) in Ward 7 and previously served as the Chair of the Ward 7 Democrats Organization. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and served on the Board of Directors of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. Mr. Felder earned his B.S. from Bowie State in Political Science. Mr. Felder also is a graduate of Georgetown University, where he obtained his Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning. When Mr. Felder is not working or volunteering his time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family. He currently lives in the Parkside neighborhood in Ward 7.

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Committees

  • Committee on Business and Economic Development
  • Committee on Health
  • Committee on Human Services
  • Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety
  • Committee on Public Works and Operations
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Ward 7

Ward 7 has long been a cornerstone of Washington, DC’s cultural, civic, and social fabric. Located east of the Anacostia River, Ward 7 includes some of the District’s most historic and tight-knit neighborhoods — Deanwood, Hillcrest, Hill East, Marshall Heights, Kingman Park, Fort Dupont, Rosedale, Capitol View, Fairfax Village, and others — each with their own unique identity and deep community roots.

Dating back to the early 20th century, Ward 7 became a beacon for African American homeownership, professional advancement, and family life during an era when segregation limited opportunities elsewhere. Generations of educators, clergy, entrepreneurs, and public servants built stable neighborhoods that offered a pathway to the middle class for Black families. Deanwood, for example,
remains one of DC’s oldest African American communities, with a strong tradition of self-reliance, civic
engagement, and artistic achievement.

learn more about ward 7

Meet Team Felder

Dr. Delia Houseal

Chief of Staff

phone-icon dhouseal@dccouncil.gov email-icon 202-741-0907

Dr. Delia Houseal serves as the Chief of Staff to Ward 7 Councilmember Felder. She is an accomplished public health leader, policy strategist, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience leading complex policy, organizational strategy and cross sector initiatives to advance equity and improve outcomes for underserved communities. A proud resident of Ward 7’s Marshall Heights community, she brings both professional expertise and a deep personal commitment to the community she serves. Dr. Houseal holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University, Master of Public Health from George Washington University and a PhD in Public Health from Walden University. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, kayaking and learning about plants.

Mr. LJ Chavis

Legislative Director

phone-icon achavis@dccouncil.gov, email-icon 202-741- 0912

L. J. Chavis is the Legislative Director. L. J. Chavis is a North Carolina native who has thus far, dedicated his career to public service and making life better for others. As a staffer on Capitol Hill, he has introduced and advanced numerous pieces of legislation, many of which became law. He holds a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in English from Chowan University and a Juris Doctor from the Southern University Law Center. L. J. is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. LJ lives in the Carver Langston neighborhood of Ward 5 and  enjoys supporting all DC area sports teams, grilling and exploring the District.

Ms. Letisha Vinson

Constituent Services Director

phone-icon lvinson@dccouncil.gov

Letisha Vinson is the Constituent Services Director, ensuring residents’ needs are met efficiently and equitably. In her role at ElectED DC as Lead Organizing Manager, she guided a cohort of civic leaders to develop policy recommendations and coordinate outreach to elected officials, educators, and nonprofit partners. Together, they crafted community-driven action plans that address gaps in mental health, housing, and economic stability. As Administrative Coordinator for Prince George’s County Government, Letisha streamlined office operations, managed grant workflows, and liaised between constituents and county departments. She also oversaw logistics for town halls and interagency meetings. A passionate advocate for education, she bridges gaps as PTO Vice President and Student Enrichment Chair, supporting programs that uplift students and families. With a genuine compassion for the community and a commitment to future generations, she supports and empowers others in every project she undertakes.

Ms. Mary Tanouye

Office Manager & Scheduler

phone-icon mtanouye@dccouncil.gov email-icon 202-724-8068

Mary Tanouye is the Office Manager and Scheduler. She is very passionate about public service and helping the community. She previously worked for an education non-profit in DC and has a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Redlands. Mary currently resides in the Navy Yard community in Ward 8. Outside of the office, Mary loves to read, bake, and do outdoor activities.

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