Washington, DC’s iconic National Mall is home to the Smithsonian's National Gallery of Art, one of many groundbreaking art galleries that showcase works by some of the greatest artists in international history. While the museum’s interior features extraordinary sculptures and paintings, the exterior environment is equally stunning. Lush, debris-free grass carpets the grounds, beautifully complementing the building’s water fountains. Surrounding, vibrant green bushes are free from old plant matter and crispy brown leaves, and the pavements and streets surrounding the museum are clear and pristine.

The beauty of the National Gallery of Art is enhanced by the careful attention given to its exterior space. It is no surprise that the dedicated individuals responsible for maintaining these grounds are -- you guessed it -- the members of the Goodwill of Greater Washington Contracts Team!

Goodwill of Greater Washington's Contract Services provides employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities by securing Federal contracts through the AbilityOne Program. These contract services offer employment opportunities, including on-the-job training, a fair wage, and benefits for people with disabilities, while providing the Federal government with quality custodial, pest control, grounds maintenance, and glassware maintenance services.

Our Team that maintains the National Gallery of Art's grounds is led by Brandon Briscoe, a Project Manager who started without our nonprofit as a Grounds Maintenance Technician more than seven years ago. Through hard work, passion, and determination, he has been promoted multiple times and is now leading a dedicated team that he calls his family. 

Brandon's journey to success has not been easy, but he credits his achievements to his faith, the Goodwill Caring Fund, which offers emergency financial assistance to Team Members, and the support he received from the Goodwill staff through The RISE Academy Training Program.

Learn more about Brandon by watching this Now You Know Video - LINK NEEDED

When you next visit the National Mall, we invite you to stop at the National Gallery of Art.

As you admire the artwork on the walls, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into bringing the grounds of the museum to life, one sweep of the broom at a time.