[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 143 (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING YVONNE LEANDER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 2008

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Madam Speaker, It is a privilege for me to rise today 
and honor Mrs. Yvonne Leander as she retires from the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development.
  As a young graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in 
economics in hand, Yvonne Leander began her career in public service 
after accepting a position as an economist in HUD's Atlanta office. 
After taking that first position, Yvonne would quickly rise within the 
agency and take on wide ranging managerial positions that include Chief 
of the Management Branch in HUD's Atlanta Property Disposition Center, 
Community Builder in HUD's Nashville office and Field Office Director 
of HUD's Memphis Office.
  A dedicated public servant, Yvonne has touched countless lives as she 
has helped many proud Americans experience the joys of becoming a 
homeowner for the first time. With a reputation for being an innovative 
leader in the community, Yvonne coordinated a national award-winning 
project that successfully relocated 186 very low-income families from 
Lane Garden Apartments in Nashville with the help of business and 
community partners. Throughout her time with HUD, Yvonne has 
consistently provided wisdom, encouragement, and counsel to many 
families that have found themselves experiencing difficult times.
  Madam, Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me today in 
thanking Yvonne Leander for her 38 years of Government service and 
wishing her the best in her well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________