[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A SPECIAL SALUTE TO ROY O. PRIEST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Mr. Roy O. Priest, a highly 
respected leader in the Federal Government. On May 16, 1997, Mr. Priest 
will retire from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
[HUD] with nearly 20 years of service. I join HUD officials, his 
colleagues, and others in commending Mr. Priest for a job well done.
  Roy Priest received a bachelor of science degree in biology from 
Central State University in Wilberforce. He also holds a master's 
degree in city and regional planning from Catholic University, and a 
master's degree in public administration from American University. Mr. 
Priest began his professional career with the District of Columbia 
Department of Housing and Community Development, and the District of 
Columbia Redevelopment Land Agency. Within these offices, he held 
several key positions including director of the Office of Policy, 
Planning, Program Development Land Evaluation; secretary of the 
Redevelopment Land Agency Board of Directors; and director, NW#1 Urban 
Renewal Project. He capped off his tenure with the District of Columbia 
Government by serving as director of the Office of Resource 
Development.
  Mr. Speaker, during his tenure at the U.S. Department of Housing and 
Urban Development, Mr. Priest has directed programs in the Community 
Planning and Development division in HUD field offices and at the 
agency's headquarters. He has earned the respect of his colleagues and 
others for his strong commitment and vision to community-building 
across the Nation. His command of the financial and programmatic facets 
of HUD culminated into his current post of director of Economic 
Development. I also note that when he leaves HUD, Mr. Priest will 
assume the presidency of the National Congress for Community Economic 
Development.
  Beyond his career in public service, Mr. Priest is an active member 
of his community. He serves as treasurer of the Montgomery County Pan-
Hellenic Council. He is also the senior warden at the Episcopal Church 
of Our Savior, and serves on the board of trustees for the St. John's 
College High School. He is affiliated with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. 
Mr. Priest and his wife, Sue, are the proud parents of Troy and Gary. 
They are also the proud grandparents of Gabrielle.
  Mr. Speaker, I join many others in saluting Roy Priest on this 
important occasion. I am proud to salute him for a job well done, and I 
wish him much continued success.

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