[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RETIREMENT OF JACK B. CRITCHFIELD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL McCOLLUM

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the retirement 
of Jack B. Critchfield, a good friend of mine. On June 30, 1998, Jack 
Critchfield retired from his post as Chairman of the Board of Florida 
Process Corporation, which is the holding company for Florida's second 
largest investor-owned electric utility. Jack was born and raised in 
Pennsylvania. He graduated from Slippery Rock State College with a 
Bachelor of Science degree, then went on to the University of 
Pittsburgh for a Master's Degree and a Doctorate. Jack also holds an 
honorary law degree from Rollins College, which is located in my 
district.
  He began his career in academics as a history teacher and counselor 
at Rockwood High School in Pennsylvania, then went to the University of 
Pittsburgh as Dean of Admissions and Student Financial Aid, Asst. 
Chancellor and Associate Professor of Higher Education. After his 
accomplishments in Pennsylvania, he moved to Winter Park, Florida, 
where Jack was President of Rollins College. After devoting many years 
to education Jack decided to enter the business world. He began his 
pursuit as President of Winter Park Telephone, then joined Florida 
Power Corporation as Vice President. Jack moved to the Florida Progress 
Corporation, the parent corporation of Florida Power Corporation, as 
Vice President of Energy and Technology, and was subsequently promoted 
to President and Chief Operating Officer. In Federal of 1990, he became 
Chief Executive Officer of Florida Progress Corporation, and a year 
later was named as Chairman of the Board.
  Jack is the past chairman and current director of the Florida Council 
of 100. He is the former director of Barnett Banks of Florida, and of 
Barnett Bank of Pinellas County. He is also associated with and has 
devoted much of his time to Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation and 
the Florida Endowment Fund for Higher Education.
  Jack Critchfield also became very involved by dedicating time and 
energy as a member of the Governors Commission for Government By the 
People and was a remarkable Chairman of the Commission's Education 
Committee. Dr. Critchfield also worked persistently behind the scenes 
to bring professional and major league baseball to the state of 
Florida.
  Jack has obviously been a very ambitious and successful man. Although 
he will continue his work in education, he will certainly be missed by 
the Florida Progress Corporation. I am sure Jack will spend more time 
improving his golf game and caring for his young daughter. I just hope 
that he remains as active as he has been. Mr. Speaker, Jack Critchfield 
is a great friend and I would like my colleagues to join me in wishing 
Jack the best as he retires.

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