[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 76 (Thursday, June 3, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6445-S6446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LINDA KURZ

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, Sieglinde Kurz received her Bachelor 
of Arts degree from Fontbonne College, St. Louis, Missouri in 1961 and 
her Masters Degree in Health Care Management from Northwestern 
University, Evanston, Illinois in 1976.
  Linda Kurz started her career with Department of Veterans Affairs in 
November 1965 as a Research Chemist in Renal Hypertension Research at 
the St. Louis VA Medical Center.
  Linda Kurz, during her government career was the Administrative 
Assistant to the Associate Director, Hines, Illinois; Associate 
Director, VA Medical Center, Tomah, Wisconsin; Associate Deputy 
Regional Director, Northeastern Region, Albany, NY; Associate Director, 
VA Medical Center, Marion, Illinois; Director, Construction Project 
Coordination and Budget, VA Headquarters, Washington, DC; Director, VA 
Medical Center, Marion, Illinois. She left the Marion VAMC to accept 
the position of Director at the St. Louis VAMC.
  Linda Kurz served as Director of the St. Louis VA for 5 years and 8 
months from May 1998 through January 2004, one of the largest and most 
complex VA facilities in the Nation.

[[Page S6446]]

  Linda Kurz provided leadership for this dual division hospital, 
providing care for in excess of 36,000 veterans annually, within a 
primary service area of metropolitan St. Louis, including 9 counties in 
Missouri and 14 counties in West Central Illinois and lead a care team 
of 1900 full time employee equivalents.
  Linda's lifetime achievements include: A leader in the health care 
management field, mentor for VHA Health Care Management Trainees, 
Executive Career Field Director Trainees and achieved the status of 
Diplomat in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
  Linda Kurz, was listed as one of the top female directors in Missouri 
Hospital Association Newsletter, Summer 2003 Edition and in Who's Who 
Among Top Executives in 1998-1999 and during her tenure as Director St. 
Louis VA Medical Center was recognized in 1999, with the Vice-
Presidential ``Hammer and Scissors'' award for her efforts in piloting 
the first Department of Veterans Affairs Canteen Integration.
  During her tenure at the St. Louis VA, Linda has worked tirelessly to 
improve access to care for veterans and opened three health clinics; 
she supported her employees by providing educational opportunities for 
mid-level managers through programs such as mini-MBA and she promoted 
an open policy, communicating with staff at all levels by establishing 
employee and supervisory forums.
  Linda Kurz will retire after 37 years of government service, having 
devoted countless hours and years to the welfare of the American 
Veterans.

                          ____________________