Fred Schutzman ME’53 had a distinguished career in manufacturing followed by another distinguished career in government service. He is a recipient of the Federal Government’s Health and Human Services Distinguished Services Award, the Department’s highest award for his work as Director of the Office of Child Support Enforcement.
Fred Schutzman was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and Cooper Union Night School of Engineering. He worked during the day as a machinist while attending The Cooper Union.
Mr. Schutzman received a Masters degree at Columbia University in Industrial Engineering and Management in 1961. After graduation he became a tool designer and then program manager for Emerson Radio and Phonograph. In 1956, he became an Instructor of Engineering at New York City Community College. He held that evening post until 1960. From 1953 until 1973 he worked for Litton Industries and its predecessor companies, eventually becoming Director of Manufacturing for Litton Industries.
Mr. Schutzman switched careers when a friend recruited him to work for the Federal Government in the Senior Executive Service as Director of Quality Control for the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA). Other positions he held were Deputy Associate Commissioner of Social Security Administration (SSA); Director of Child Support Enforcement, (HHS); Director of Office of Financial Management,(SSA); and Director of Social Services for Resettlement of 174,000 Vietnamese Refugees. He passed away in June of 2020.
Awards
In 1975, Fred Schutzman received a Presidential Citation for his “Exceptional Management Skill and Ingenuity. You can see a picture of Fred receiving this award from Secretary Weinbeger here. Fred Schutzman received the HHS Executive Management Citation in 1988, and the HHS Inspector General’s Integrity Award in 1989; In 1985 Mr. Schutzman received the HHS Distinguished Services Award, the Department’s highest honor by the Secretary to individuals whose service and achievements deserve the highest recognition that can be conferred by HHS. Mr. Schutzman’s work spurred the passage of the Child Support Laws of 1984. The Distinguished Services Award consists of a gold medal and honorarium of $5000.
References
- Second Supplemental Appropriation Bill, 1975: Hearings Before the Subcommittees of the Committee of Appropriations, House of Representatives, 94th Congress, 1975. page 741. Link
- “President Awards Schutzman,” SRS Newsletter, Volume 8, Number 9, July 15, 1975. Link
- Fred Schutzman Obituary, Baltimore Sun, June 29, 2020. Link