ETHICS WEEK 2026 “Transitioning Ethically” October 13-16, 2026
Course Schedule
Courses subject to change. All courses (except Friday's courses) are hybrid and will be offered both in-person at BEGA’s offices at 1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 700 West and virtually. Friday, October 16th courses will be virtual ONLY. You must register for each session individually. After registration, you will receive an email, accept each course to your calendar from that email. For ADA accommodations, contact [email protected]. For technical issues, contact our IT Representative Kevin Brown, [email protected].
Day 1 - Tuesday, October 13, 2026
10:00 - 10:30am
OGE Director’s Introduction and 2026 Financial Disclosure Season Recognition - View Presentation Here (FDS Recognition Winners)
Ashley Cooks, Director of Government Ethics
10:40 - 11:40am
The Power of Collaboration: Why Partnership is Key to Effective Ethics Counselor Work - View Presentation Here.
A discussion on how partnership and collaboration help Ethics Counselors be effective in their role.
Asia Stewart-Mitchell, BEGA General Counsel
Amber Anderson, OGE Supervisory Attorney Advisor
******Lunch and Ethics – 12:00 – 1:30pm******
1:30 - 2:30pm
Ethics for Managers - View Presentation Here.
A training for managers and supervisors; A discussion on the importance of an ethical culture and an ethics trickle down from management.
Asia Stewart-Mitchell, BEGA General Counsel
2:40 - 3:30pm
The Nuts and Bolts of Financial Disclosure - View Presentation Here.
Tips and tricks on how to maintain a successful financial disclosure program at your agency.
Courtnae Brown, OGE Attorney Advisor
3:45 - 4:30pm
Jurisdictional Jam: How to Identify Jurisdictional Issues and Align with Other Agencies and Law Enforcement - View Presentation Here.
Asia Stewart-Mitchell, BEGA General Counsel
Day 2 - Wednesday, October 14, 2026 (In Person)
10:00 - 12:00pm
The Invisible Facade: Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills to Prevent and Detect Hidden Ethical Dilemmas - View Presentation Here.
****This session is virtual*** Participants will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate information objectively, identify biases, and assess the implications of their choices. The course explores concepts like ethical fading, where moral considerations fade from view under pressure, and the framing effect, which subtly alters perception and judgment based on how information is presented. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and decision-making simulations, participants will learn to recognize and mitigate these cognitive traps, fostering ethical accountability and balanced decisionmaking. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to approach ethical challenges with clarity, integrity, and confidence.
Michael Bret Hood, Owner of 21st Century Learning and Consulting
******LUNCH BREAK – 12:00 –1:30pm******
1:30 - 2:30pm
Ethics SHOWDOWN! - View Presentation Here.
Test your knowledge of the ethics rules using real-life scenarios.
Brenda Keels, OGE Attorney Advisor
2:40 - 3:30pm
Where Can I Go and What Can I Do? - View Presentation Here.
As administrations change, so do professional landscapes. This session equips government employees with the knowledge needed
to manage post‑government employment plans and outside work responsibly during a transition period. The course explains key ethics
rules, cooling‑off restrictions, and approval requirements, helping employees make informed decisions while safeguarding the integrity
of public service.
Amber Anderson, OGE Supervisory Attorney Advisor
3:40 - 4:30pm
What in the Ethics? - View Presentation Here.
A year in review of OGE’s disposed investigative matters and the handling of complaints from fact finding,
interviews, and final dispositions from the perspectives of OGE investigators. Investigators will discuss
consistent violations and best investigative practices used during the fact finding process.
Ileana Corrales, OGE Investigator
Rhoda Glasgow, OGE Investigator
Day 3 - Thursday, October 15, 2026
10:00 - 10:30am
OOG Director’s Introduction - View Presentation Here.
The Director opens a full day of FOIA and Open Meetings courses.
Niquelle Allen, Director of Open Government
10:30 - 11:30am
DC Public Body Guide to the Open Meetings Act - View Presentation Here.
This course is a discussion of the District’s Open Meetings Act.
Joan Lelma, OOG Attorney Advisor
******LUNCH BREAK – 11:30 – 1:00pm ******
1:00 - 2:00pm
Introduction to the DC Freedom of Information Act - View Presentation Here.
This course is a discussion of the District’s Freedom of Information Act.
Brandon Lewis, OOG Attorney Advisor
2:15 - 3:00pm
Overview of Recent FOIA and OMA Advisory Opinions and Advice - View Presentation Here.
This course is an overview of recent FOIA and OMA Advisory Opinions and Advice issued by the Office of Open Government.
Anthony J. Scerbo, OOG Attorney Advisor
3:15 - 4:00pm
Recent Opinions from the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC) - View Presentation Here.
This course is an overview of recent FOIA opinions issued by the MOLC.
Shawn Nolan, Senior Attorney Advisor, MOLC
Day 4 - Friday, October 16, 2026 (Virtual)
10:30 - 11:30am
Legal Ethics for Government Attorneys - View Presentation Here.
Designed and taught by D.C. Bar legal ethics counsel, through engaging hypotheticals and focused discussion, you’ll gain valuable
guidance for recognizing ethical issues, applying the relevant rules, and navigating the professional responsibility challenges that arise in
day-to-day government practice.
Nakia L. Matthews, D.C. Bar Senior Legal Ethics Counsel
Courtney L. Thomas, D.C. Bar Legal Ethics Counsel
Lynn Tran, BEGA Senior Attorney Advisor
11:45 - 12:45pm
Fireside Chat - View Presentation Here.
A discussion on the transition of the Executive from an ethical lens.
Betsy Cavendish, EOM General Counsel
Lynn Tran, BEGA Senior Attorney Advisor
Asia Stewart-Mitchell, BEGA General Counsel
******END******
