[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 9 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING THE SERVICE OF ROLLIE SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Rollie Smith, 
Fresno Field Director with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 
Development (HUD). After 12 years of dedicated service in Fresno, 
Rollie is moving to Washington, D.C. to be closer to his family.
  Rollie Smith first came to Fresno, California in 1997 when he began 
work with Catholic Charities of Fresno. One year later, HUD hired 
Rollie as a community activist to help revitalize the City of Fresno. 
Rollie originally planned to help out for a few years, however his 
passion and commitment to the community quickly moved him up the ladder 
within HUD. Rollie became the Fresno Field Director in 2004 and has 
been doing a great job for the past seven years.
  Rollie received his Masters' degrees from Loyola University, Chicago 
Jesuit Theological School, and the University of Chicago. A natural 
born leader and teacher, Rollie also taught classes at Loyola 
University, California State University, and the University of Hawaii.
  One of Rollie's specialties was his unique ability to bring groups of 
people together to help solve issues affecting people in the Central 
Valley. One of these groups, the Federal Interagency Task Force, is a 
group that meets regularly and works together to tackle issues such as 
inadequate housing, poor education, health care, and low-paying jobs. 
Rollie will be truly missed in Fresno.
  I applaud Rollie Smith for his many years of tireless work on behalf 
of families in California and the Central Valley. I know he will enjoy 
more time with his wife Bernie, his son Aaron Smith and his wife 
Carolyn, his daughter Suzanne Chartol and her husband J.P. Chartol, and 
his three grandchildren Adeline, Claire, and Remy Chartol.
  Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that in addition to his countless 
gifts to our community, Rollie has been a true champion for my 
constituents. He and his team have always been available to discuss 
issues and work together to make our Central Valley a better place. I 
ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the commitment, 
dedication and success of Rollie Smith and wish him well as he embarks 
on new endeavors.

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