several assignments related to position classification and management, and culminating with his designation as the Technical Advisor and Special Projects Manager in IRS's Position Management Branch. From 1987 until his retirement in 1997, Charlie was a Senior Research Analyst with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board's Office of Policy and Evaluation. In that capacity, he completed several major studies, including "Balancing Work Responsibilities and Family Needs: The Federal Civil Service Response" (1991), which was influential in the passage of the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the first bill signed by President Clinton after he took office in 1993; and "Fair and Equitable Treatment: A Progress Report on Minority Employment in the Federal Government" (1995), which led to ongoing coalition-building work among organizations representing ethnic minorities in the federal government and the formation of the National Coalition for Equity in Public Service. Charlie received the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board Chairman's Award for Excellence for his extraordinary performance, and was recognized by his colleagues as a man with both a deeply analytical mind and an ability to find solutions to problems that other people found insoluble.

Charlie's involvement with Legacy International began when the organization was founded in 1979, and he joined the Board of Directors. During the organization's early years, his wife Deborah was the recruitment coordinator for the Global Youth Village (GYV), and his daughter Abby was a GYV participant. On weekends, the Friedman family often traveled from Washington, DC, to Legacy's campus in Bedford, VA, to volunteer their time and talents. As Legacy's campus expanded during the 1980s, Charlie, a self-taught electrician, wired all of its new cabins, classrooms, and recreational facilities. He also designed the stage lighting for GYV's theater productions each summer.

Charlie became Chairman of Legacy's Board in 1999. During his tenure, as Legacy expanded its adult professional development programs funded by the U.S. Department of State, Charlie was instrumental in training Legacy's staff in methods of financial control and management. Charlie was an able leader who brought innovation, attention to detail and a can-do spirit to Legacy's Board. His extensive knowledge of U.S. tax law, combined with his financial, personnel and risk management skills, were a tremendous asset to the organization.

Charlie was the proud and loving father of two daughters, Abby (34) and Ara (18), and he delighted in his daughters' academic, professional and personal accomplishments. He instilled in them a love of learning, a commitment to community and a passion for social justice. Both Abby and Ara spent many summers at Legacy's Global Youth Village and remain active in the GYV Alumni Network.

Charlie grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and met his wife Deborah on a blind date in Canada in 1968. He graduated from Long Island University with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1970. Charlie served in the Signal Corps of the U.S. Army Reserves from 1972-1974, and as a Yeoman, Third Class in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves from 1974-1977.

Charlie was a good-humored man who loved to make people laugh with his dry sense of humor. He was a man of great integrity, always thoughtful, reflective and honest in his approach to life's challenges and opportunities. He was a treasured friend, trusted confidante, and valued advisor to many.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvia and Alfred Friedman. He leaves behind his wife Deborah Friedman (nee Friedberg) and his daughter Ara Friedman of Bedford, Virginia; his daughter Abby Friedman, son-in-law Daniel Schifrin and grandsons Aviv and Lior Schifrin of Berkeley, California; and his brother Bruce Friedman of Brooklyn, New York.

In Charlie's memory, the family has established the Charles E. Friedman Memorial Scholarship Fund at Legacy International's Global Youth Village. Donations can be made on-line or by check payable to Legacy International, 1020 Legacy Drive, Bedford, VA 24523.

The entire Board, along with the staff of Legacy International, offer heartfelt condolences to the Friedman family.