[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 172 (Wednesday, December 12, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF DENISE PETERSON-PENDARVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 12, 2001

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Denise Peterson-Pendarvis 
in recognition of her long term commitment to her community.
  Denise Peterson-Pendarvis attended New York City Public Schools, 
namely P.S. 287, P.S. 307; Junior High School 265 and Fort Hamilton 
High School. Later, Ms. Peterson-Pendarvis obtained a Bachelor's of 
Science Degree in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal 
Justice. In 1992, she received her Juris Doctor Degree from Seton Hall 
Law School in Newark, NJ.
  Ms. Peterson-Pendarvis is currently a Government Relations Liaison at 
KeySpan Corporation. In this position she represents the corporation in 
its work with federal, state, and local governments. Prior to joining 
KeySpan, she worked for the New York City Board of Education as a 
Special Education Suspension Hearing Officer. She also worked as a 
Court Attorney for the late Civil Court Judge Ralph Sparks, Judge 
Kathym Smith and the Pro Se Attorney at Bronx County Landlord/Tenant 
Court. Ms. Peterson-Pendarvis also worked for many years as an 
assistant in my office.
  In addition, to her full-time job, Ms. Peterson-Pendarvis is the 
President of the Board of Directors of Ryerson Towers where she has 
resided for the past twenty years. She is responsible for inter alia, 
overseeing operations and management of the $5 million corporation. She 
serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Marcus Garvey 
Nursing Home; and recently joined the Board of Directors of the Lyndon 
Baines Johnson Health Complex. She is also a board member of the 
Clinton Hill Consortium of Homeowners Inc. a newly formed organization 
that advances the concerns of the cooperators of the Clinton Hill/Fort 
Greene area.
  In 1978, Ms. Peterson-Pendarvis became interested in ``politics'' and 
its relationship to the community. Since that time, she has coordinated 
numerous successful campaigns for all levels of elective office. Denise 
has proven leadership, organizational, and advocacy skills. She is 
constantly assisting those who may be less fortunate. She remains aware 
of where she came from and appreciates those who supported and guided 
her along the way.
  Mr. Speaker, Denise Peterson-Pendarvis is a tireless worker and 
community leader. As such, she is more than worthy of receiving our 
recognition today. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring this 
truly remarkable woman.

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