Meet Fred Hill

A Lifelong Washingtonian

Fred has lived in the Washington, DC region for more than 50 years, and for the past two decades has called Cathedral Heights, Penn Quarter and Shaw neighborhoods home. He has been active in the Federal City Council, Leadership Greater Washington, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Entrepreneurs Organization.

Fred’s story reflects the diversity and resilience of DC itself. He is Asian American, the son of a mother who immigrated to the United States from a small country (Sikkim) which is now a state in India, and a father who grew up with limited means in rural Oklahoma. For a period of time, his parents relied on welfare, an experience that shaped Fred’s understanding of economic insecurity and opportunity. He is also a proud member of the Chickasaw Nation.

Outside of his professional and community work, he enjoys exploring the city on foot with his wife, Christine, and their dog, Louie, a routine that keeps him connected to the neighborhoods and people he hopes to serve.

An Entrepreneur at Heart

Fred founded his own small business in 1998 and grew it into a successful (8a) federal contracting firm.

Fred has firsthand insight into the barriers and opportunities facing DC entrepreneurs. He understands how programs like the Certified Business Enterprise initiative can support local firms when the system works and how to improve it. His international work, including time in Beijing, adds a broader perspective that informs his approach to strengthening DC’s small‑business ecosystem.

Fred most recently served as Chairman of the DC Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), a quasi‑judicial body. The BZA holds public hearings, takes testimony under oath, reviews evidence, and issues written decisions that determine how land can be used across the city. It serves as a critical “safety valve” in DC’s zoning system, balancing individual property rights with the broader intent of zoning laws.

Over more than a decade on the Board, Fred met neighbors and ANC Commissioners from every ward, listened to their concerns, and made difficult decisions that shaped the character of DC’s neighborhoods. He heard more than 2,000 cases and chaired over 400 public hearings, an experience that reinforced his belief that good governance starts with listening, balance, and respect for community voices.