BEGA Selects Niquelle M. Allen as Director for the Office of Open Government
The District of Columbia Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (“BEGA”) announced today that Niquelle M. Allen has been selected to serve as the Director of the Office of Open Government. The Office of Open Government is an independent office within the Board of Ethics and Government Accountability. Its mission is to ensure that government operations at every level are transparent, open to the public, and promote civic engagement. As Director, Ms. Allen will train and advise District agencies, public bodies, and the public on the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA); investigate complaints and enforce the OMA; and generally assist government agencies in the implementation of open government practices. Ms. Allen will begin her term on July 9, 2018.
Ms. Allen is a seasoned and respected District of Columbia government attorney. She has served with distinction in the District government for 16 years and has practiced law for 19 years. Most recently Ms. Allen served as Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel for the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO). At OCTO, Ms. Allen worked on information technology (IT) law and policy, and most notably, she assisted with the drafting and implementation of the District’s Open Data Policy. Ms. Allen also served as an Assistant Attorney General for the District where she practiced law in the areas of telecommunications, cable television regulation, civil litigation, and alcohol beverage regulation. Ms. Allen served as the FOIA Officer for both OCTO and the DC Office of Cable Television, now known as the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment.
"Ms.Allen is the perfect choice to lead this Office,” said BEGA Chair Tameka M. Collier. “The Board believes that the future of Open Government lies in role-based training, public outreach, and enhanced information technology capabilities that make government data easily accessible. Ms. Allen’s enthusiasm and experience, particularly in IT law, will serve her well in this position.”
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the Director of the Office of Open Government,” Allen said. “I look forward to leading the Office and working with all sectors of the government, as well as outside stakeholders, to ensure maximum access to the important work of city officials.” Ms. Allen received her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her law degree from North Carolina Central University. Ms. Allen resides in Ward 4.