The Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) announced the passing of Mildred Keel-Williams, the long-time former Director of Economic Development Programs. Mildred lost a long and courageous battle with cancer earlier this week. Known for her passion for and wide knowledge in the field of economic development, Mildred, who always made time for a kind word or a listening ear, will be tremendously missed.

“Mildred was a true visionary who led the community through change and development, organizing and engaging local merchants, revitalizing local commercial strips, and engaging businesses in the civic life of the community. She ran our SYEP program for many years, managed our first adult employment center, and led public benefits enrollment and free tax preparation efforts that served thousands of community members. She opened a thrift store with a retail training component and she worked tirelessly on every ‘WE LOVE CYPRESS HILLS DAY!’ In her 25+ years with Cypress Hills Development Corporation, she touched all of us with her warmth and passion, her love for Cypress Hills and her unmatched commitment to making our community a wonderful place to live and work. In her personal life Mildred was a loving wife and mother; an inspired artist and poet; a woman of strong, unwavering faith and a true friend to so many of us, shared the staff of the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation on their website.

We’ll miss you Mildred. Sending our thoughts and prayers to our friends at the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, friends and family, including Mildred’s husband Michael and daughter Mari.