Obituary of James Lavier Keene

James L. Keene, Former Federal Executive James L. Keene, former Director, Division of Cost Allocation, Northeastern Region, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Died April, 27, 2014 in Huntington, NY. He was 80. Keene was a career Federal employee. He retired in 1994 at which time he was Director, Division of Cost ALlocation -- Northeastern Region--. The Northeastern region includes; The New England States, New York State, New Jersey State, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. He directed the review, negotiation and approval of annual indirect cost rates and cost allocation plans with state and local governments, colleges & universities, hospitals, and private not for profit grantees and contractors. The approved rates/plans were used departmental and government-wide by grantees for reimbursement purposes of grant awards with the Federal Government. James L. Keene was born in Danville, Virginia. Upon graduation from John M. Langston High School, where he was salutatorian of the senior graduating class, he moved to Brooklyn, NY. Over the next ten years, he entered the Armed Forces, during the Korean conflict and upon discharge he attended and gratuated from Long Island University. He also began graduate studies at C.W. Post University. During the same period, he persued a career with the Federal Government. In 1962, James was hired by the US Navy Area Audit Office as an Auditor-Trainee. He was it's first Afro-American Auditor at that time. This office later became the defense contract audit agency . From trainee, he moved up the ranks to Senior Auditor. He then transferred to the Urban Mass Transportation Administration in Washington D.C. as audit manager. He later returned to New York City, NY as Director, Division of Cost Allocation, US Department of Health and Human Services. Over the years, Mr. Keene was a member/officer of numberous professional, social and civic organizations. Services will be held at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station, on Friday May 2, 2012 from 10-11 AM, there will be a service at 11 AM at the funeral home with interment to follow at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton NY. Donations may be made to Mended Hearts.