[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 33 (Friday, February 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING CELESTIA L. McCLOUD AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                    FLORIDA FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 23, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Celestia L. McCloud is a native of Winter 
Haven, Florida and the youngest child of the late Richard and Shirley 
McCloud and is a lifelong member of the AME church. She graduated from 
Winter Haven High School, Florida State University with a bachelor's 
degree in sociology, and Troy State University with a master's degree 
in public administration.
  After completing her education, her professional work began in public 
service with the Department of Juvenile Justice, working with youth 
involved in the court system experiencing delinquent behaviors. After 
leaving the DJJ in 1996, she began her career at Orlando Housing 
Authority, where she worked until 2010. During her 14 years at OHA, she 
held positions that allowed her to work with people in various roles to 
encourage self-improvement and self-sufficiency.
  Her most recent chapter with the Osceola County government began in 
2010. Over the last 14 years at Osceola County, she mostly held the 
housing and community services director position. She is very proud of 
the work that the department has accomplished and is most proud of the 
great team she continues to build. She understands that her success is 
mostly because of the hardworking and dedicated staff in the 
department, as well as the support of county administration and the 
commissioners.
  The department continues to thrive and accomplish great things 
through services to the community and the citizens of all income and 
economic levels. Some of the highlights over the last few years include 
several affordable housing partnership deals, managing HUD expectations 
in the areas of an entitlement community and Section 8 as a high 
performer, ongoing management of homelessness efforts, and the 
administering of COVID-19 funds just to name a few. She was also just 
awarded the 2004 Lt. Lloyd Burton Jr. Service Award.
  On February 22, 2024, Celestia L. McCloud was honored as a 
distinguished leader in Central Florida for Black History Month.

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