American Medical Depot Advisory Board Member Former U.S. Representative Kendrick Meek

WASHINGTON - Oct. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- The Howard University Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center recently announced Kendrick B. Meek, a former member of the U.S House of Representatives and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and an American Medical Depot (AMD) Board Member,  as the institute’s visiting fellow for 2014. As a member of the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means, Meek was instrumental in pioneering legislation creating new trade incentives for Haiti. He has been both a staunch supporter of the Haitian Diaspora and a leader on issues challenging the country.

“Dr. Walters was a great advisor to me and many other elected officials throughout our great country as a public policy and political thinker,” Meek said. “I am very proud to have been selected to serve as a Fellow in the Ronald Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center.”

As a visiting fellow, elected or appointed officials are chosen to share their expertise with the Walters Center and the greater campus community. Meek will facilitate lectures on topics that will include both foreign and domestic policy. He will also contribute to informational sessions geared toward students.

"AMD is pleased, but not surprised, that Congressman Meek has accepted the opportunity to serve in this capacity.  We have long been aware of his strong allegiance and commitment to service, integrity and influencing public policy," said Akhil Agrawal, President of American Medical Depot. "We feel privileged to have him serve on the Advisory Board of AMD, and confident that his sharp mind and solution-oriented skill set will be as much appreciated by Howard University as they are here at AMD."

In 2003, Meek was elected to represent the 17^th, U.S. Congressional District of Florida, and became the first son to succeed his mother in Congress. During his tenure, Meek was an early member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, a precursor to the Homeland Security Committee where he also served. He was an active member of the House Armed Services Committee and by appointment of the Speaker was one of 12 officials tapped to serve on the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Meek also was a member of the House Steering and Policy Committee helping to define the legislative policy and messaging priorities of the Democratic Caucus. He served until 2010 and was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as a Special Representative to the United Nations in 2011.

As a visiting fellow at the Ronald Walters Center, Meek will meet with members of Congress to promote the Walters Center and engagement between Howard University and members of Congress on policy matters.

The Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center was established by Howard University to serve as a focal point for research, publications, service, policy discussions and leadership development activities in areas involving the engagement of African Americans in the U.S. political process and in U.S. national and foreign policy. The Walters Center is an interdisciplinary center that will preserve the legacy of Dr. Ronald Walters, a scholar-activist who conducted research, served as a mentor to students and political leaders, provided strategic direction and thinking in the political and civic arenas, was a prolific writer and served as a political commentator. It is envisioned that the Walters center will become the premier academic center for research and publications on policy issues that directly impact the global black community.

About AMD

As one of the nation's largest privately held healthcare supply chain companies and a distributor of medical and surgical supplies and equipment, American Medical Depot distributes more than 350,000 products to federal healthcare facilities, hospitals, and alternate site facilities, including physician offices, ambulatory surgery centers, community health centers, home health and hospice providers, correctional healthcare companies, long term care facilities and schools and universities.