Ken Szymanski

GCAA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HONORED WITH "FAIR HOUSING HERO" AWARD

Charlotte, NC, July 30, 2008

Greater Charlotte Apartment Association Executive Director Ken Szymanski was recently honored by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee at a celebratory gala which marked the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act. Szymanski received a "Fair Housing Hero" award for his role in advocating equal opportunity housing to community groups, real estate organizations, public officials, and the general public during his 22 years at the GCAA. The CRC also acknowledged the fact that Ken has taught a Fair Housing course to over 1,000 GCAA members throughout his tenure at the Association.

U.S. Department of HUD Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Kim Kendrick delivered the keynote address at the gala event.

Szymanski said, "It is an honor to receive this award, since the cause is so important."

The 56-year-old Szymanski is a native of Syracuse, NY and has served as the GCAA Executive Director since 1986. Previously he was a low-income housing advocate while working for local units of government in San Antonio, TX, Toledo, OH, and Evansville, IN.

GCAA Executive Director Ken Szymanski receives his award from CRC’s Willie Ratchford and Constance Green-Johnson.


Kim Kendrick, HUD’s Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, delivered the keynote & is pictured here with Szymanski.