2008 Presidential Rank Award Winner Edith J. McCloud

MBDA Congratulates 2008 Presidential Rank Award Winner Edith J. McCloud

Recognized for Outstanding Leadership, Professionalism and Commitment to MBDA

WASHINGTON (October 24, 2008)—President George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce, Carlos M. Gutierrez recently announced that Edith J. McCloud, Associate Director for Management at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) received the Presidential Rank Award for 2008.

Each year, the President recognizes and celebrates a small group of career Senior Executives and senior career employees with the Presidential Rank Award. Recipients of this prestigious award are strong leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consistently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commitment to excellence in public service.

There are two categories of rank awards: Distinguished and Meritorious. Award winners are chosen through a rigorous selection process. They are nominated by their agency heads, evaluated by boards comprised of private citizens, and approved by the President.

“Ms. McCloud is an exemplary leader and a committed public servant,” said MBDA National Director Ronald N. Langston. “Thanks to Ms. McCloud’s professionalism, dedication and business acumen, MBDA has been able to successfully transform from an administrative agency to an entrepreneurial agency more effectively serving minority entrepreneurs. MBDA is proud to have her on our team and congratulate her on this great honor,” Langston adds.

McCloud accepted her first and only role in the federal government as MBDA’s Associate Director for Management in 1999. Since that time, she has placed a high premium on evaluating, adapting and strategically planning the implementation of MBDA’s goals and objectives. Her leadership has led to an increase in the dollar value of contracts and financial transactions awarded to minority business owners from $500 million in 1999 to nearly $2 billion in 2007. Due in part to McCloud’s dedication, MBDA is now in the strongest position in its forty-year history to achieve its mission.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA, www.mbda.gov , an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing enterprises. In doing so, minority-owned firms are better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.