Southwest DC is now “the place to be.” We continue to spotlight the dedicated staff of the Southwest Business Improvement District who are focused on making Southwest DC a clean, safe and vibrant community to live, work and visit.
Jerome Horne, one of the first SWBID employees, works in the L’Enfant Plaza area. He is part of the team that keeps the area looking good. He regularly interacts with area residents and tourists by providing directions to parking and businesses. He really enjoys being a “tour guide” for Southwest visitors.
Jerome has a long history with BIDs. He started with the Capital Hill BID and moved on to the Capitol Riverfront BID. He says, though, that he was very happy to join the Southwest BID when it opened (lucky us!).
His co-workers love him for his good sense of humor. He is always positive and always has a good joke. When I arrived for the interview, I asked Steve Moore what he thought about Jerome. He replied, “We are better at what we do because of Jerome.”
Jerome was born and raised in DC. He attended Johnson Jr. High School and Ballou High School. Over the years, he saw many changes in both schools. There were no athletic facilities at Ballou in his day and he is impressed by how much that campus has changed.
Jerome likes everything about the SWBID—he’s proud of the work, loves the people he works with and loves the neighborhood. At the end of the day, however, he says the best part of his life is his wife of 18 years.
SWBID COO Andre Witt says: “Jerome has been one of the more dedicated employees. He is well liked by all staff and is never at a loss for words. He is an outstanding family man and has truly grown into a well-seasoned professional.”
Jerome’s Favorites
Movie: Likes the “oldies”
Music: R&B, Soul and Jazz
Favorite song: “God Is Love” (Lionel Richie); “Joy and Pain” (Frankie Beverly & Maze)
Sports Team: Redskins FOREVER!
Favorite SW spot: The Waterfront and the area around the MLK monument
Best thing about his job: The environment—loves the team spirt and the supportive leadership
Proudest moment: Every day the Good Lord wakes him up to come to work!
So when you’re out and about, be sure to say hello to Jerome!