WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH - Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) today announced the appointment of John M. Hairston Jr. as District Director for the 11th District Congressional office in Warrensville Heights.  Mr. Hairston, a retired Chief of Communications for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and retired Director of External Programs at NASA John H. Glenn Research Center, will assume his duties on June 6, 2011.

"I've known John for many years.  He is an outstanding public servant with the knowledge, talent, heart and leadership skills to guide my office in better serving the people of our district, " said Congresswoman Fudge.

Background on John Hairston Jr.

Mr. Hairston joined NASA Glenn in 1991 and served as Director of External Programs through 2008.  In that capacity, he directed development and implementation of outreach, educational and informational programs to promote scientific literacy and strengthen awareness of NASA Glenn's mission throughout targeted segments of the community.

Among his numerous awards, Hairston received the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal,  NASA Medal for Outstanding Leadership, Presidential Rank Award and Leadership Cleveland Civic Volunteer of the Year Award.

From 1964 to 1991, Hairston held various positions with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.  He began his education career as an English teacher and went on to assume  leadership roles as Special Projects Center Director, Assistant Education Manager, Staff Development Director and Chief of the Community Relations Department.   Following his years of service at NASA Glenn, Hairston returned to CMSD where he served as Chief of Communications from 2008 to 2010.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bluefield State College in West Virginia, a master's degree in Educational Administration from Cleveland State University, and attended the John F. Kennedy School of Public Policy at Harvard University.
Hairston is active in his church, serving as Chairman of the Imani Temple Ministries Deacon Board. He is a former President of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections and former Chairman of the board of directors for the Glenville Development Corporation.  He also served as Co-Chair of the City of Cleveland's Empowerment Zone Initiative.

He and his wife Delaney make their home in Cleveland. 

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