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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-44
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 30, 2013
To posthumously recognize and honor the contributions of Joseph Yeldell, a community activist, public servant, and tireless advocate for residents of the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Joseph P. Yeldell, known to many as Joe “The Mayor’s Man,” was a lifelong resident of the District of Columbia, born on September 9, 1932, the 9th of 13 children;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell served in the United States Air Force, was a graduate of D.C. Teachers College, and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961, majoring in education;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell was a mathematics teacher at Coolidge Senior High School in Ward 4 from 1961 to 1962;
WHEREAS, from 1962 to 1964, Joe P. Yeldell worked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specializing in mathematics;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September 28, 1967 to serve on the first Council of the District of Columbia and chaired the Personnel Committee, which placed him in charge of hiring office staff for his colleagues;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell served 3 Mayors across 2 decades: Walter E. Washington, Marion Barry, and Sharon Pratt Kelly;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell served as Director of the Department of Human Resources from 1971 to 1977, managing a $400 million budget and 10,000 employees, and overseeing community mental health centers, Medicaid, student loans, and food stamps;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell served as General Assistant Mayor from 1977 to 1978;
WHEREAS; from 1979 to 1983, Joe P. Yeldell served as Special Assistant City Administrator, where he automated the management information system;
WHEREAS, from 1983 to 1990, Joe P. Yeldell was the Director of the Office of Emergency Management;
WHEREAS, from 1990 to 1993, Joe P. Yeldell was the President of JPY Associates, Inc., managing his own business with a healthy clientele;
WHEREAS, during his entire life, Joe P. Yeldell was active in his community and tutored and mentored many young adults;
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell’s more than 30 years of service is a testament to his resolve and determination to make the District of Columbia the great city it is today; and
WHEREAS, Joe P. Yeldell will always be known as an inspiration to the citizens of the District of Columbia, and will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to serving the community.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Joseph Phillip Yeldell Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia commends and recognizes Joseph P. Yeldell for his years of exemplary service and outstanding commitment to the greater Washington, D.C. community.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
