LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Howard Kerr, founder of Optimum
Solutions Corporation, upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Brooklyn Housing and Family Services on June 19, 2014

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors,
and community service are an example and inspiration to their
colleagues, friends, family, and community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael Howard Kerr upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, to be cele-
brated at its Annual Carole Jayson Memorial Dinner, on Thursday, June
19, 2014, at Rex Manor Catering Hall in Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, The Brooklyn Housing and Family Services has diligently
served the communities of Central Brooklyn since 1971, and through its
Tenant Committees, has successfully initiated building improvements and
combated the deterioration of housing in its Borough; and
WHEREAS, Michael Howard Kerr graduated from St. John's University with
a Business degree in 1969; he began his career working in the buyer's
executive training program at Abraham & Strauss Department Store, and in
1972 he left New York for Texas to continue his retailing career; and
WHEREAS, In 1982, Michael Howard Kerr returned to New York to operate
M&R Management Company, a family real estate business in New York City,
and in 1992, he started Optimum Solutions Corporation (OSC), an imaging
based data-extraction company; and
WHEREAS, When the United States government counted the entire US popu-
lation in 2000, the Bureau of the Census used OSC technology to process
their data; once again, the Bureau of the Census used the OSC solution
for the 2010 Census; and
WHEREAS, Committed to the community, Michael Howard Kerr served as
both Fire Commissioner and Police Commissioner in his home village of
Woodsburgh, New York; he was later elected and served as a village Trus-
tee, and at The Seawane Country Club in Hewlett Harbor, New York, he
served as Secretary, Vice-President, and later, as President from 1998-
2000; and
WHEREAS, Michael Howard Kerr devotes countless hours to serving on the
boards of various organizations; he was a Trustee at Temple Israel, and
past President and Chairman and current Board Member of the Jewish
Community Center of the Greater Five Towns; he is also a past Board
Member of UJA/Federation of Greater New York; and
WHEREAS, Active in several New York City based real estate organiza-
tions, Michael Howard Kerr currently serves on the Board of Community
Housing Improvement Program (CHIP), where he was President and Chairman;
he is also a Board Member of the Rent Stabilization Association of New
York (RSA), and President of the Associated Builders and Owners of
Greater New York (ABO); and
WHEREAS, Michael Howard Kerr has been an active participant in the
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America for more than two decades; in
partnership with another family, he formed a foundation solely dedicated
to scientific, clinical and genetic research for Crohn's disease; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2008, Michael Howard Kerr joined the National
Board of the American Liver Foundation and serves as Chairman of the
Finance Committee; he is also a Board Member of the New York State Tran-

splant Council, which falls under the direction of the New York State
Department of Health; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Susan, their two
sons, Joshua and Zachary (Jessica) and two grandchildren, all of whom
feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his achieve-
ments; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Michael Howard Kerr
has stood constant in dignity, good grace, and humor and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by individuals
for the benefit of others which Michael Howard Kerr has displayed
throughout his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That is Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor
Michael Howard Kerr, founder of Optimum Solutions Corporation, upon the
occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Brooklyn
Housing and Family Services on June 19, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Howard Kerr.