Clarence House Apartments

Bios

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  Claire Ruppert

  Community Manager

  Claire Ruppert is a fifth generation Washingtonian and the creative mind of the team. She joined WC Smith eight years ago working in the corporate office's leasing office briefly before being promoted to Community Manager of Clarence House. In 2011, she took on management of the Frontenac's neighboring sister property, Clarence House. Both she and the properties she manages have received rewards in the categories of Excellence, Best Property and Best Performance. Claire's prior experiences as an English teacher at Emerson Prep and as an event planner at the National Gallery of Art are evidenced in her communication style and the seasonal parties she organizes for her residents. She exercises the right side of her brain on the job as a creative problem solver and in her spare time by leading a weekly writers group in Dupont Circle. She can't resist a do-it-yourself project -- take a look at the awesome mosaic table top in our office!

  Link: Claire Ruppert

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  Grant Wilson

  While new to WC Smith, Grant is ever familiar with the Frontenac, having lived here before returning to work in the same building. After coming back to DC with a shiny new college diploma in International Business, he ended up being recruited by Claire to come work at the Frontenac and Clarence House. He was impressed not just by his own time as a resident, but also by WC Smith’s focus on creating affordable communities throughout the city. Not knowing what to expect, he dove in head-first and never looked back. He balances work with time volunteering at a public charter school, playing volleyball, and some amateur photography. He hopes to one day complete El Camino de Santiago in Spain and photograph the entire trip. He also dreams of one day starting his own for-profit business in the same vein of WC Smith that works on promoting equal and fair economic development here in the District.

  Link: Grant Wilson

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  Getachew “G” Degefu

  Getachew, or “G” as the residents call him, was born in the northern part of Ethiopia. He started at Clarence House three years ago after transferring from another WCSmith property. He quickly became a part of the community greeting residents each morning with a warm smile and keeping Clarence House running smoothly. He is no stranger to order, having served in the Ethiopian air force flying planes. But now he enjoys a more peaceful life living with his wife in Virginia. Asked what his favorite food is and he will tell you, “anything my wife cooks.” But if he had to pick one favorite dish, it would be aliche a traditional ginger-based dish from Ethiopia. That more relaxed life certainly translates well to his position at the front desk – keeping residents and staff calm and collected!

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  Primitivo “Primo” Cordero

  Primo came here from the Philippines a few years ago with his wife and two of his children. Currently residing just outside of DC in Maryland, he started first working for an auto repair shop just up the road. He quickly found his way into the WCSmith family and has been with us for three years now, making sure Clarence House is up to the high, clean standards set by its staff. For his enjoyment, it is all American. He loves a good meal with hot dogs and hamburgers and can never pass up a good grilled chicken. He even unwinds by watching the NBA or the Redskins vie on the gridiron. He hopes to one day retire back to the Philippines and be with his other 4 adult children.

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  William “Bill” James

  Bill is a DC native, growing up in NE and NW Washington. After spending time at a few buildings within WCSmith, he joined the staff at Clarence House 10 years ago, bringing a commitment to excellence and quality work. As the on-site engineer, he responds to all requests, no matter how big or small and has proven his expertise and knowledge. Even though his job can demand attention 24/7, his true challenge comes with keeping up with his two children and 5 grandchildren. Thankfully, they all live nearby giving him the chance to watch them grow up. On top of family, Bill likes to reminisce about his basketball days when he was younger and the finger-licking fried chicken his mom used to make him. Family is important to him, and he is happy to call Clarence House home.