[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 30 (Wednesday, March 18, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E410]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO GENEVIEVE S. BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. 
Genevieve S. Brooks, an outstanding individual who has dedicated her 
life to public service. She will be honored on March 20, 1998 by 
parents, family, friends, and professionals for her outstanding 
contributions to the community at the Eastwood Manor in the Bronx 
during a dinner hosted by the New York State Bronx Chapter of the 
National Women's Political Caucus in conjunction with other Bronx-based 
civic organizations.
  A housing and community specialist, Genevieve Brooks took office as 
Deputy Bronx Borough President on April 16, 1990, the first woman to 
hold the post. She performed numerous tasks and functions that included 
overseeing policy implementation for the Office of the Chief Executive 
of a county of 1.2 million people and was the top administrative 
officer of the Borough President's agency. As such, Ms. Brooks managed 
the day-to-day operation for an agency staff of 120 individuals and 
coordinated agency professionals and community-based organizations in 
planning for and improving housing and municipal service delivery.
  Prior to her appointment as Deputy Borough President, Ms. Brooks 
served as Executive Director and President of the Mid-Bronx Desperadoes 
(MBD). During her tenure, with the collaboration of a qualified staff, 
MBD expanded its network to include services provided in conjunction 
with other local organizations and medical centers. Among these were: 
affordable housing development, marketing and management, the Mid Bronx 
Community Development Federal Credit Union, Family Practice Health 
Center, Head Start day care, community crime prevention, comprehensive 
case management, job training and placement, and community organizing.
  Through her years of service, she worked for several governmental 
agencies. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bronx 
Health and Human Services Development Corporation. She also helped 
develop a comprehensive work plan for land use in the Borough and 
served as both the liaison for the Borough President to the Bronx 
Overall Economic Development Corporation (BOEDC) and as a member of the 
Board. Ms. Brooks has been sought as a panelist both nationally and 
internationally on numerous topics within the scope of her expertise, 
which is in urban revitalization. Most recently, Ms. Brooks led the 
Borough's victorious All America City delegation in the Kansas City 
competition in June 1997.
  The business, professional, religious and civic organizations to 
which she has belonged, like the honors and awards she has received, 
are almost beyond counting. Genevieve retired last year after a 
fruitful career in public service. Ms. Brooks leaves us with many 
lessons learned in community service, leadership, and wisdom. A 
talented leader and advocate, Ms. Brooks will continue sharing her 
knowledge and views with her family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ms. 
Genevieve S. Brooks for her outstanding achievements in housing and her 
enduring commitment to the community.

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