EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

General Counsel, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - 1987 to 1989 (Confirmed by U.S. Senate March 13, 1987)

  • Negotiated settlement of several major UDAG cases involving repayment of several million dollars in UDAG grants.
  • Developed and executed strategy for determination that FHA-foreclosed houses were not "surplus property" for purposes of McKinney Homeless Act.
  • Provided counsel to program staff in proposed takeover of Chicago Housing Authority.
  • Negotiated compromises to provisions in Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 which assisted in securing Administration support for passage of Amendments.
  • Served as a member of HUD's Mortgagee Review Board.
  • Supervised 250 attorneys in Headquarters and various field offices.
  • Developed and implemented plan for reorganization of the Office of General Counsel.

Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - 1986 to 1987 (Confirmed by U.S. Senate August 4, 1986)

  • Developed and implemented "Decontrol Initiative" for Public Housing Program.
  • Worked with Dallas Housing Authority, Congressman Steve Bartlett, city officials and Regional HUD staff to settle Walker v. Pierce and obtained agreement for resolution of West Dallas Public Housing project impasse.
  • Responsible for HUD's Drug Free Public Housing Program:  Conceived strategy for local focus and partnership with other federal agencies; negotiated agreement with NAHRO to cosponsor national conference and series of regional conferences on Drug Free Public Housing.
  • Negotiated takeover of East St. Louis Housing Authority and obtained services of private contractor to manage it for HUD.

Partner and Associate, Stinson, Mag & Fizzell law firm, Kansas City, Missouri - 1974 to 1986

  • Represented donors and decedents' estates in resolution of gift and estate tax disputes with Internal Revenue Service.
  • Defended clients in disputed estate proceedings, including claims for services and contract disputes.
  • Represented charitable trusts and foundations and not-for-profit development corporations.
  • Represented Main Street Corridor Development Corporation in obtaining Block Grant and UDAG funding for 39th and Main project and bank financing for acquisition of property at Linwood and Main.

Assistant Attorney General for John C. Danforth, Attorney General of Missouri - 1973 to 1974

  • Represented State of Missouri in delinquent tax proceedings, agency proceedings and consumer protection cases.
  • Managed Kansas City office including two attorneys, two investigators and support staff.

Assistant Director, Managing Attorney, Staff Attorney, Legal Aid and Defender Society of Greater Kansas City, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri - 1969 to 1973

  • Represented numerous defendants in civil proceedings in Missouri State Courts and Kansas City Municipal Courts.
  • Filed 10 suits in federal court against State of Missouri contesting due process requirements for welfare proceedings.
  • Settled case with Kansas City Housing Authority establishing due process grievance procedures for residents.
  • Managed staff of 35 attorneys in six offices.