My name is Brandon Brown and I’m honored to be the President of DCNRHS. I grew up only a mile from where the Dover Harbor was built in Chicago,IL. The Illinois Central railroad railroad ran right behind my home where I grew up. Being involved in the railroad has always been in my family. My Grandmother and Great Aunt worked for the Illinois Central Road cleaning cars at the Central Station in downtown Chicago. My Grandfather worked as a Rail Car Postman on the Chicago, Saint Louis and Kansas City route. I am very happy to continue that rail legacy.
I have been in the DC area since 2005 and live in southern Maryland with my wife and 2 kids. I have been a member of the chapter since 2008. I first volunteered with the chapter working on the trip committee then as a Porter which I love doing.Being able to work as a Porter on the Dover is what really attracted me to the chapter The Porter job means so much to me. As an African American I follow in the footsteps of so many men who held the position and with dignity.Back then a Porter would work 20 hours a day on getting about 4 hours of sleep and that was if no one rang their bell for service. They had to be the Porter, the babysitter, the doctor and the waiter. When I’m out on the Dover in my porter uniform I never forget all the men who did this as a living to provide for their family. It means so much to me.
My background is in the travel industry as I was employed with AAA for over 10 years. I began as a Travel Agent and ended my career as a Travel Supervisor. I currently work for the Knights of Columbus, the largest Catholic fraternal organization in the world, as a Regional Director. When I am not working or on the Dover I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and I am an Air Crew member in the Coast Guard Reserve. I look forward to serving the membership of the chapter and creating a bright future for our organization.