[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 8 (Tuesday, January 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E60-E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO CLAIRE E. FREEMAN: 1996 BLACK PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

                                 ______


                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 23, 1996

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, on February 17, 1996, officers, members and 
friends of the Black Professionals Association [BPA] will gather in 
Cleveland, OH, for the Sixteenth Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala. 
The event is sponsored by the BPA Charitable Foundation. The Black 
Professionals Association was the dream of William Wolfe, the former 
president of the Greater Cleveland Urban League, who, in 1976, invited 
black professionals to join together to discuss mutual issues of 
concern. The organization was officially chartered in 1977.
  Over the years, the Black Professionals Association has been the 
voice for its membership on the social, economic, and legislative 
issues facing the community and the Nation. The Greater Cleveland 
community has also benefited from the organization's professional 
development seminars, mentoring programs and voter registration 
activities. The Sixteenth Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala marks the 
continued success of this distinguished organization.
  One of the highlights of the BPA Charitable Foundation gala is the 
selection of the 1996 Black Professional of the Year. This year's 
honoree is Claire E. Freeman, the chief executive officer of the 
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Association. Ms. Freeman is more 

[[Page E61]]
than deserving of this special recognition from her friends and 
colleagues. I rise today to share with my colleagues some background 
information regarding this outstanding individual.
  In 1990, Claire Freeman assumed the post of chief executive officer 
of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority [CMHA]. In this post, 
she manages a $100 million operating budget, a $318 million 
construction modernization budget and a work force of 1,500 employees. 
Under Ms. Freeman's leadership, CMHA has received recognition as having 
the greatest rate of positive change after being operationally and 
financially troubled for over 15 years. Her efforts signal a strong 
commitment to the community and its residents. Claire Freeman has also 
taken a special interest in the youth of our community. She is meeting 
an important challenge of guaranteeing safe, drug-free housing for our 
children and their families. Further, she is a role model and mentor to 
youth throughout the community.
  Mr. Speaker, prior to coming to Cleveland, Claire Freeman served as 
Assistant Secretary for Administration at the Department of Housing and 
Urban Development. Before joining HUD, she was Deputy Assistant 
Secretary for Civilian Personnel Policy for the Department of Defense. 
At the Defense Department, Ms. Freeman was recognized for instituting 
an executive leadership program which continues to be a premier 
succession planning vehicle at the agency. Claire Freeman is a graduate 
of the University of Southern California with a master science degree 
in urban and regional planning. She earned her bachelor's degree in 
sociology/history from the University of California at Riverside.
  Claire Freeman is also an active member of the community. She holds 
memberships on many local boards and commissions, including the Housing 
Authority Insurance Co., Council of Large Public Housing Authorities, 
and the Department of Defense Quality of Life Task Force. She is also 
the recipient of professional and civic awards which include the Ernest 
J. Bohn Outstanding Public Administrator Award; U.S. Small Business 
State/Local Business Advocate Award; and the Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Award in Housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I take special pride in saluting Claire Freeman on the 
occasion of her selection as the 1996 Black Professional of the Year. 
As a past recipient of this distinguished award, I am aware of the 
commitment and dedication which this honor signals. Claire Freeman has 
been a tireless champion and leader for the Greater Cleveland 
community. We applaud her commitment, and wish her much continued 
success. I also extend my best wishes to the entire membership of the 
Black Professionals Association.

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