Bro. Melvern L. McCottry

Brother McCottry was born in Washington D.C. on November 24^th, 1945.

Education: He completed his early and secondary education in the Washington D.C, Public School system, experiencing segregated conditions at the elementary level.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Howard University in 1970 and a Master of Arts degree in Health Services Management from Webster University, St Louis Missouri, in 1984

Omega Psi Phi experience: Brother McCottry was initiated into the light and life of Omega in Denver Colorado by Chi Phi Chapter on June 2^nd, 1984. He became life member #2285 in 1988. In Chi Phi Chapter: (Denver, Colorado) served as Scholarship Committee member1984 to 1987; Hawaiian Fun Fest(Scholarship Fundraiser) committee member 1984 to 1988; Founder’s Day Banquet/Formal Dance, Chairman 1985, Vice-Chairman 1984; Awarded Chapter “Omega Man of the Year” 1985; Planned/coordinated a state-wide Omega Psi Phi Administrative procedures workshop for  three Colorado chapters 1987.

In the 8^th District (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico) Brother McCottry served as District Marshal 1986;  State Representative (Colorado) 1988-1989; elected  First Vice District Representative for 1988-1989; re-elected First Vice District Representative 1989-1990; conducted, on behalf of the District Representative, initiations for Beta Upsilon chapter(Omaha, NE); Nu Rho chapter ( Albuquerque, NM ); Chi Phi chapter (Denver, CO ); and Xi Pi chapter ( Colorado Springs, CO ) 1989-1990; awarded 8th District Service Award for District Council work 1990;  First Chairman of the Colorado Membership Intake Committee 1991;  and Co-Authored a District Meeting Planning Guide for Chapters of the Eighth District with Brother George I. Williams of Nu Rho chapter and Brother John Pruitt of Eta Gamma Gamma chapter 1993.

In Gamma Pi Chapter:  served as Chairman of NAACP/UNCF committee 2004 to present; awarded Scroll of Honor for Outstanding Achievement, 2003-2004;  Selected for the Founder’s award, 2004; member Social Action committee, 2006-2008;  Scroll of Honor for committee leadership, 2006; and  Basileus service award, 2006-2007

In  2^nd District : served as member  NAACP/UNCF Committee 2004-2005; Chairman,  NAACP/CEF Committee 2008.

Point of personal Omega Pride: In his youth, he had the opportunity of mentorship, guidance and high example of Manhood from his cousin Brother I. Gregory Newton, 24^th Grand Basileus, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc (1958-1961) (Omega Chapter).

Employment highlights :  Completed 34 years of Federal Government Service( with assignments in 7 States and the District of Columbia) in 2002. Last position held was Director, Laboratory Services Program, U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Region 8, Denver, Colorado. Brother McCottry received numerous awards throughout his career but is especially proud to have earned the Lee M. Thomas “Excellence in Management” award in 1991 and again in 2001. This is the highest agency management recognition that the Administrator of the USEPA awards. Less than a dozen managers, nation-wide (out of approx. 2,200 managers at all levels) receive this award in any given year.  It is very rare for a person to receive it TWICE!!