Kenneth Johnson followed Rodriguez by giving a Leadership Challenge. Johnson’s commended everyone for their willingness to serve as officers. He reminded them that leadership develops daily and not in a day. Johnson ended his remarks by saying leading is about serving and empowering other people to be the best that they can be. Johnson’s remark was followed by the official swearing by Emerson Lattimore, Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity Director for the Dallas Region and the inaugural address by Ramona Schuenemeyer, Dallas Regional Commissioner. 

Commissioner Schuenemeyer candidly brought greetings from Linda McMahon, whom she stated would be retiring the next day and join the ranks of Earl Melebeck, former Deputy Regional Commissioner.  Ramona elaborated on the Social Security Disability backlog. She stated that there were currently 780,000 initial claims pending due to the influx of the baby boomers. She reminded the group that SSA has always had a reputation for key leadership and getting the job done.  She commented on the leadership of the Houston metropolis for their leadership during hurricane Katrina and Rita.  Ramona talked about the importance of recruiting good leaders and providing great training, mentoring, and coaching to the leadership. During her closure, Ramona acknowledged that hope is what fuels the soul. She cited that the agency is looking for hope from the employees of the front line.  She ended her message with an inspirational poem entitled “I Will Do More”

The meeting ended with a closing presidential challenge by Philana Johnson, District Manager, Houston Northeast. Refreshments were served immediately following the program and entertainment was provided by the Morgan Bouldin band.

For photo and video information regarding the Houston Chapter Inauguration; feel free to visit the photo gallery and video gallery section of the website.