Biography 

Leon J. Swain Jr. 
DC Taxicab Commission Chairperson, District of Columbia Government 

Leon J. Swain, Jr. assumed the position of Chairperson of the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission in June of 2007, and on July 10, 2007, members of the DC City Council approved the confirmation.

Under Swain’s leadership, the past year has seen significant change for the Taxicab Commission. Some of  its accomplishments include converting the antiquated fare zone system to the current time- and distance-based system, implementing the Wheelchair Accessible Taxicab project (operational Spring 2009), and reinstating the DC Taxicab Examination. With his extensive community service background spanning over 30 years as well as a diverse professional background in Law Enforcement and Community Development, Swain has engaged in innovative and cost-effective solutions for various endeavors. He is qualified to supervise large-scale programs, contract management, program oversight and implementation of services, including financial and real estate offerings.

Mr. Swain has extensive community service experience spanning 30 plus years, a diverse professional background in Law Enforcement, Professional Support Programs, Management, Community Development and Government Contracts and Support with a strong strategic sense of balanced priorities. Mr. Swain’s expertise qualifies him to supervise large-scale programs, contract management, program oversight and implementation of services.

Possessing an innate ability to communicate frankly and precisely the mission needs and quality of service offered, Mr. Swain has provided and managed several programs within the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia Taxicab Commission as a past Commission member.

As Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 8E-05 Vice Chairman, Swain represent the neighborhoods, advises the District of Columbia’s elected leaders on issues concerning the communities such as zoning, social service programs, health, police protection, sanitation, and recreation.

In October 2008, Swain accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors of the United Medical Center—formerly the Greater Southeast Hospital—in Ward 8. One of his main priorities as a board member is to obtain accreditation for United Medical Center and finding dedicated personnel that will deliver quality and up to date medical services to the residents of the District of Columbia.

Mr. Swain also serves as Vice President on the Naylor Gardens Cooperative Housing Board of Directors. First elected in 2004 and reelected in 2007, Swain has managed the operations of the District's largest housing cooperative and its $6 million plus annual budget. He also founded and is chair of the Co-Op’s Property Evaluation Committee, which assesses potential income opportunities, capital investment, and future site improvement plans for the 60-year-old association and its 47 acres of development in the Southeast.