Meet Board member Bob Hudson
Bob Hudson has led a life full of rich and diverse experiences, which he now brings to MAHO as a Board member. Originally born in Cleveland, Bob has lived in several different cities and now resides in the West Park Community of Cleveland. Bob graduated from John Marshall High School in 1970 and shortly thereafter joined the Air Force. After a 40 year career as an active member and in the reserves, Bob retired with the rank of Major. Bob worked as an Air Force personnel officer and emergency manager and assisted during several crises, including serving as a mental health officer to victims of Hurricane Andrew.
Bob graduated with his Bachelor of Social Work from Cleveland State University in 1979 and is a licensed social worker. Bob later received his Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from John Carroll University and Master’s Degree in Special Education from Notre Dame College. Bob attended Kent State University, where he received certification to teach gifted and talented students.
Outside of the Air Force, Bob has had a number of careers. Bob worked for Recovery Resources as a housing specialist for seven years beginning in 1991. He worked with Oxford House to setup group homes for individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Taking a break from the world of social work and education, Bob was assistant manager for musician Robert Lockwood Jr. and went on tour with him and his band for a year in 1998, booking accommodations and driving the van. Bob worked for the Cleveland Metro School district starting in 1999 and retired this year. He has taught special needs students with autism from grades K to 12. Bob referred to his students “as ‘twice exceptional’ because, in addition to their disorder, they are gifted in a specific subject.” Bob recently served as an autism consultant for the Department of Defense at the Yokosuka Navy base in Japan.
In addition to his work, Bob is very passionate about advocating for those with special needs. Bob was involved with the Muscular Dystrophy camp for 12 years as a unit leader and counselor, which is where he originally met founding MAHO Board Member Kathy Cotman. Since 2008 Bob has been working with Cognitively Social Environments to raise awareness and advocate for individuals with autism and other cognitive social challenges. This year Bob was a social worker and volunteer counselor at Camp Cheerful in Strongsville, which provides recreational camp activities for children and adults with disabilities.
Bob’s interest in advocating for people with disabilities led him to join MAHO as a Board member. He wants to support MAHO’s mission through fundraising, promoting the organization, and raising awareness about accessible housing issues.