TO THE CHAPTER INVISIBLE
Clifford P. Cooks 1951-2024 Executive Director of Occupational Licensing, Washington, DC Government, and Youth Coach
C lifford Paul Cooks, (Alpha Pi 1971) of Fairfax Station, Vir- ginia, passed away on May 2, 2024. Born in Vallejo, California, he was one of seven children of Grady and Dorothy Cooks. A proud graduate of Vallejo High School (Class of 1969), Brother Cooks went on to attend Langston University on a track scholarship. A standout student-athlete, he served as captain of the track team and graduated in 1973 with a degree in Business. He later earned an MBA from Central Michigan University. Brother Cooks began his professional career with the Equitable Life Assurance Society, where he worked for ten years before dedi- cating over three decades to public service. He served the D.C. government for 32 years, most notably as Executive Director of the Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA),
“ COOKS SERVED ON THE GRAND KEEPER OF EXCHEQUER’S FINANCIAL REVIEW ADVISORY TEAM AND AS BUDGET CHAIR OF THE EASTERN PROVINCE FOR THREE YEARS. LOCALLY, HE SERVED AS EXCHEQUER OF THE ALEXANDRIA- FAIRFAX (VA) ALUMNI CHAPTER FOR A DECADE ”
Shelter Christmas Gift Program. His contributions were widely recognized. Among many honors, he received the Ed Sechrest “Brother of the Year” Award and the Eastern Province Pillar Award. A tireless advocate for youth and civic engagement, he supported programs like Kamp Kappa and the Know Your History Program, consistently championing mentorship and education. He is survived by his loving wife, Davita; daughter, Chandra; son, Christopher (Nu Lambda ’06) and daughter-in-law, Natalia; and granddaughters, Selena and Cecilia. He is also survived by his siblings Jackie, Jeanette, and Dwayne. He was pre- ceded in death by his parents and siblings Greg, Albert, and Janice. Brother Clifford P. Cooks leaves behind a profound legacy of leadership, mentorship, and service— an enduring example of excellence and commitment to others. ♦
overseeing critical licensing functions across the district. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was deeply committed to youth and community develop- ment. He spent more than 40 years coaching youth basketball and track, notably at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he posi- tively impacted countless lives.
Brother Cooks served on the Grand Keeper of Exchequer’s Financial Review Advisory Team and as Budget Chair of the Eastern Province for three years. Locally, he served as Exchequer of the Alexan- dria-Fairfax (VA) Alumni Chapter for a decade and chaired its Budget Commit- tee for more than 20 years. He also led the chapter’s long-standing Carpenter
90 THE JOURNAL ♦ FALL 2025
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