Keith Howard is an experienced business and procurement professional with 20 years of experience and expertise.  Keith joined the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development in 2019 as a Certification Specialist, where he learned the Certified Business Enterprise law and spend requirements.  The education gathered in Certification and his experience as a former small business owner propelled Keith to the Procurement Technical Assistance Center.   

While at the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Keith was able to use an insatiable brand of excellent customer service to accomplish positive outcomes for the DC-based businesses he served.  Recently, Keith has been asked to lead the Business Opportunities team.  The Business Opportunity is responsible for training DC-based businesses while providing technical assistance around government contracting and opportunity identification.  Under Keith’s leadership, the Business Opportunity division is also tasked with leading the growth and capacity building for Sports Wagering.  Lastly, overall management of the annual District Connect signature event will be housed under the watchful eye of the Business Opportunities division.  This event connects the business community with the government against the backdrop of access to contracts and capital.  

While at the University of Pittsburgh, Keith developed exceptional coaching and interpersonal skills as a member of the Pitt football staff.  Howard has been able to parlay those skills into the workplace as an organized consensus builder and promoter of team first.   

Prior to joining DSLBD, Keith was employed by three Fortune 200 financial institutions and a national non-profit organization.   

A proud “girlDAD” of two amazing daughters, Keith is also a football coach, podcast host, and author.