[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 137 (Monday, September 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S11574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO DONNA PAGANO MURRAY

  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to bid farewell to one of 
the longest tenured members of my Senate staff, Mrs. Donna Pagano 
Murray. Donna retired from the Senate on September 5, 2007, after 28 
years of exceptional service to the citizens of this country and to the 
residents of the State of Alaska.
  Donna was born in New York City and studied at Monmouth University 
and the University of Maryland. She served as my executive assistant 
and was responsible for all legislative issues relating to domestic 
aviation and transportation security since I entered the Senate in 
2002. She is an expert in Alaska aviation issues and a champion for the 
Age 60 pilot age extension bill. Donna served as my Chief of Staff for 
the past year, leading a great team working for Alaska.
  Prior to working for me, she worked for Senator Frank Murkowski for 
12 years. Among other duties in that office, including those I just 
mentioned, she was the principal liaison between his Washington, DC and 
five state offices.
  She left the Senate in 1989 and worked at the Department of Commerce 
for five years during the Administration of former President George 
H.W. Bush. She handled issues such as clean water and air, fisheries 
management, weather services and appropriations issues for the 
Department.
  I also want to mention that during her tenure in the Senate, she 
worked on the Senate Committee on Labor and Human Services and the 
Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. She has volunteered for several 
campaigns and Inaugural ceremonies as well.
  Donna started her career as a high school teacher, and is looking 
forward to being a substitute teacher in her post-Senate life. This 
says a lot about her--that she is returning to the classroom to help 
children in this area. Rather than seeking a high-paying private sector 
job, which she certainly is qualified for given her abilities and 
experiences, she is going to be a substitute school teacher for a local 
district. She represents the real spirit of public service by giving 
back some of her knowledge, wisdom and experience gained from decades 
in government service to the youngsters of this area. I know that the 
students will learn a lot from Donna.
  While I am sorry to lose one of my staff leaders, I am delighted that 
Donna will be able to more fully enjoy time with her husband Danny. 
Danny had a heart transplant last year and I know that they are looking 
forward to spending more time with each other, traveling together and 
enjoying their grandchildren.
  I will miss Donna's cheerfulness, wonderful smile, straightforward 
manner, vast knowledge, and her dedication to the Senate. She is a hard 
worker, indeed. It has been a pleasure to have her on my staff. I wish 
her and her husband Danny the very best and know that Alaskans will 
benefit for decades to come from her efforts to help the State. I also 
know that future generations will benefit from her return to the 
classroom.
  Donna, thank you for your service to Alaska and this country.

                          ____________________