[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 79 (Monday, June 7, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6469-S6470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVID LIEDERMAN

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, today, I would like to pay 
tribute to Mr. David S. Liederman, the outgoing Executive Director of 
the Child Welfare league of America. Throughout his long, distinguished 
career, David Liederman has fought hard to make a difference in the 
lives of families and children, especially some of the most vulnerable 
children who are at risk of abuse and neglect.
  Over many years, I have been privileged to work directly with David 
Liederman and the extraordinary team of dedicated professionals whom he 
has assembled at the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA). David has 
the unique ability to be a leader on a variety of levels--within his 
own organization, throughout the country with many CWLA affiliates, and 
in Washington as a policy maker and advocate.
  Early in his career, he had the vision and the determination to seek 
bold policy answers by helping to creating the original Independent 
Living Program. We worked closely together in 1993 to secure over a 
billion dollars in new investments in prevention services for abused 
and neglected children. In 1997, David was an effective ally and 
advocate in the effort to enact the Adoption and Safe Families Act 
which ensures that a child's health and safety are paramount, and 
continues the investments in prevention to deliver on this promise.
  Those who know David Liederman's personal history are not surprised 
by his commitment, or his successful record of accomplishments. David 
began his career working directly with families and serving 
disadvantaged youths living in public housing in the Boston area. These 
years in the trenches instilled in him a sense of compassion and the 
challenges wrought by the harsh realities many of our Nation's citizens 
face. After working in direct services, he went on to serve the people 
of Massachusetts first in the State Legislature and then as Chief of 
Staff

[[Page S6470]]

to Governor Michael Dukakis. After years of service in Massachusetts, 
David decided to focus on National issues when he accepted the helm of 
the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and began to lead national 
discussions setting the agenda on policy issues facing children and 
families. For fifteen years, he led CWLA and was a well-known advocate 
and spokesman for needy children and families.
  In honor of his many achievements, David Liederman won the 1996 Award 
for Excellence in national Executive Leadership and the 1997 National 
Lifetime Achievement Award from the national Association of Social 
Workers.
  I am proud to have worked with David Liederman over so many years, 
and am proud to call him a friend. His voice will be truly missed on 
child welfare issues in Washington, But he has our best wishes as he 
seeks new challenges and opportunities in public service.

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