UPO Hall of Fame

A true veteran of UPO, George Edward Holland demonstrates what community action is all about.

Having graduated from both Howard and Catholic Universities, Mr. Holland joind UPO in 1964, working as Director of a neighborhood development center and later as Director of the overall UPO Community Organization Division.

His career is further distinguished as he would later serve as Director of Training for a private organization, Acting Director of the DC Department of Corrections, Assistant Director for Detention Services, and Associate Director for Community Services in the District of Columbia.

Mr. George Edward Holland is hereby inducted into the United Planning Organization’s Hall of Fame.

George E. Holland

Recognized for her extensive career in media and the law, early on she worked with the United Planning Organization with the Washington Concentrated Employment Program and in the Education Unit.

Carol Randolph is perhaps best known for her roles in television as co-host of the popular “Harambee,” “The Carol Randolph Show,” and as an anchor for Court-TV.

Aside from her roles in law and the media, she is also a highly skilled journalist and certified conflict resolution mediator. She currently serves as Vice President of Strategic Communications, Miller & Long Construction. Prior to that position, she served as Senior Vice President, Walls Communications of Washington, DC.

Ms. Randolph holds a degree from Fisk University, a graduate degree from Washington University, and a law degree from Catholic University in Washington, DC.

Ms. Carol Randolph is hereby inducted into the United Planning Organization’s Hall of Fame.

Carol Randolph

A highly respected professional, Patricia G. Shannon held several positions while at UPO including head of the Evaluation Division, head, Community Services Division, and director of the agency’s Office of Field Services Operation.

Ms. Shannon later served as Vice president at NationsBank (now Bank of Amrerica) handling, among others, initiatives to enhance access to credit for small, minority, and women owned businesses, nonprofit organizations, and low to moderate income individuals.

Ms. Shannon woud ultimately become President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington presiding over 26 clubs and a 168 acre camp that yearly served more than 35,000 regional youth.
She currently serves as a director of Adams National Bank and on the Kennedy Center’s Community Advisory Board.

Ms. Patricia G. Shannon is hereby inducted into the United Planning Organization’s Hall of Fame.

Patricia G. Shannon

The United Planning Organization, established December 10, 1962, chose native Washingtonian James G. Banks as its first Executive Director.

Already a legendary figure in Washington, DC, Mr. Banks worked in the housing field serving as an assistant director for the National Capital Housing Authority, later serving as an Assistant Commissioner.

Mr. Banks also served as an Assistant to Mayor Walter E. Washington for Housing Programs, Executive Director of the national Capital Housing Authority, Administrator of Model Cities Program and State Historic preservation Officer.

In 1993, he was a consultant to the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development, working in the same capacity with Fannie Mae in 1994.
The recipient of numerous awards, he was most proud to co-author with his son Peter, the book entitled “The Unintended Consequences: Family and Community, The Victims of Isolated Poverty,” which was published in 2004.

Mr. James G. Banks is hereby posthumously inducted into the United Planning Organization’s Hall of Fame.

James G. Banks

Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene

It’s hard to measure a man who did so much in his all too brief life. Yet, when one mentions his name, eyes open wide, often with a hint of a smile, and very often , a “thanks for everything.”

Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene overcame much and achieved even more. Yes, he “served time” but helped many more both inside and outside of the penal system.

While working for UPO, Petey Greene served as Community Liaison Specialist, a field special to him and one in which he greatly excelled.
Petey Greene is perhaps best known for his radio program heard Sunday nights on station WOL and his legendary television program seen on WDCU-TV 20.

In 1968, Ebony Magazine wrote “Petey Greene is one of Washington, DC’s best known citizens. Mention his name and black people and whites, from Mayor Washington to the winos in ghetto bars will smile and say: ‘A great guy.’ He communicates equally well with legislators on Capitol Hill, night club audiences and dope pushers... .”

Mr. Ralph Waldo “Petey” Greene is hereby posthumously inducted into the United Planning Organization’s Hall of Fame.