[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E90]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JANIE WALSH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 26, 2005

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Janie Walsh, who is 
retiring as the Executive Director of the Sonoma County Community 
Development Commission after 30 years of dedicated service to her 
community.
  In high school, Ms. Walsh lived in Vietnam, where her interest in 
community service took root. She has returned periodically to implement 
programs sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of California such as 
helping to build a school, and providing eyeglasses to those in need.
  Ms. Walsh began her career in Pennsylvania as a teacher and Head 
Start director. Her move to California saw a change of direction in her 
career as she began the important work of community development. As the 
Redevelopment Project Manager in the City of Petaluma she began the 
City's housing rehabilitation program. She moved on to the Sonoma 
County Housing Authority as Community Development Specialist and was 
quickly promoted to Community Development Manager.
  In 1985 the Board of Supervisors appointed her as Executive Director 
of the Community Development Commission where she has done an 
outstanding job supervising Sonoma County's Housing Authority, 
Redevelopment Agency, and a wide range of community development and 
affordable housing programs.
  Ms. Walsh has also served as Senior Vice President and President of 
the Pacific Southwest Regional Council of the National Association of 
Housing Officials (NAHRO), where she worked closely with the Department 
of Housing and Urban Development on major changes in legislation and 
regulations that affect housing and community development agencies.
  Upon retirement, Ms. Walsh and her husband, John Humphrey, are 
planning to move to the country and raise grapes and honeybees. She 
plans to spend time with her two adult sons, Philip and John, and her 
young grandsons. Ms. Walsh is looking forward to some international 
travel, particularly a trip to visit her roots in Ireland.
  Mr. Speaker, Janie Walsh is a woman who has made a positive impact on 
those around her. She has led the Community Development Commission with 
an attitude of compassion and respect for clients and community that 
permeates the entire agency. I am proud to honor her and wish her well 
in this new chapter of her life.

                          ____________________