[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 4 (Friday, January 23, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING TERESA FONTENETTE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT T. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 23, 2004

  Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a woman with a long 
and fruitful career in California state government. Teresa Fontenette 
is set to retire from a remarkable career that has spanned five 
decades. As her friends, family, and colleagues gather to celebrate 
Teresa's, affectionately known as Terri to those who know and love her, 
illustrious career, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in saluting 
this outstanding citizen of Sacramento.
  After completing high school with the inaugural graduating class of 
St. Francis School for Girls in Sacramento, Terri made her first foray 
into California state government by serving as a Junior Clerk Typist 
with the California State Personnel Board. Shortly thereafter, Terri 
became the Junior Stenographer with the Department of Motor Vehicles 
and General Services. In 1967, Terri was promoted to Stenographer II at 
the Department of Health Services.
  In 1971, Terri joined the Department of Finance. Through hard work 
and dedication, Terri became the Secretary to the Personnel Office. 
During her tenure with the Department of Finance, Terri enjoyed great 
access to some of the most influential policy makers in California. 
Terri still fondly recalls sharing her peanuts and candy with several 
Governors of California during her time in the State Capitol.
  Terri's desire to maximize her considerable talents led her to quit 
state service and enroll at Sacramento City College. Terri's leadership 
qualities were evident to those as Sacramento City College as she 
became the President Of the Black Student Union. Terri would eventually 
receive the prestigious President's Scholarship to attend California 
State University, Sacramento.
  Terri would rejoin the Department of Finance part-time Student 
Assistant. After graduating with a degree in Social Work/Psychology in 
1979, Terri was promoted Administrative Assistant II in 1981.
  In the next four years, Terri's outstanding work continued to earn 
her a number of promotions; as Terri went from being an Associate 
Governmental Program Analyst to the Assistant Public Information 
Officer for the Governor's Exempt Program.
  In 1985, Terri was asked to be part of the start-up team for the 
California Lottery. Terri would begin her service to California State 
Lottery as the Staff Services Manager I and Minority Affairs/Contract 
Compliance Manager. In the next eighteen years, Terri would serve with 
great distinction as a valued member of the Senior Staff. Terri offered 
her considerable knowledge to the Marketing Division as she was the 
primary liaison to the advertising agency developing African-American 
consumer marketing strategies.
  Terri's outstanding professional accomplishments have rightfully 
earned her a number of awards in recognition of her excellence. Terri 
was named the Corporate Individual of the Year by Black Business 
Listings & Black Expo in 1996. The year after, Terri was appointed to 
the Corporate Advisory Council by the Asian Business Association. In 
2000, Terri was acknowledged by the California Department of General 
Services for her contributions in furthering small business and 
disabled veteran business participation in state contracting.
  Mr. Speaker, as Terri's friends, family, and colleagues gather to 
celebrate her great career; I am honored to pay tribute to a dedicated 
and successful public servant. Terri's career is a true testament to 
the value of public service. Although her career with the California 
state government may be over, her commitment to make a positive impact 
in the community, fortunate for us, is far from over. I ask all of my 
colleagues to join with me in wishing Terri Fontenette continued 
success in all her future endeavors.

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