[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E555]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO R. LUCIA RIDDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
R. Lucia Riddle as the Vice President of Federal Government Relations 
for the Principal Financial Group.
  Ms. Riddle joined Principal in 1974 as a management trainee in the 
health division and quickly began rising through the company. By 1997, 
Lucia had obtained her M.B.A. from Drake University and had officially 
assumed her role as Principal's Vice President of Federal Government 
Relations in Washington D.C.
  Principal Financial Group is a well-respected, worldwide company that 
has called Des Moines its home since 1889. More than 8,000 Iowans are 
employed by Principal Financial Group and thousands more do business 
with this great company renowned for its honest and professional 
reputation. As Vice President of Federal Government Relations, Lucia 
expertly assumed the responsibility of directing legislative and 
advocacy efforts with a focus on the company's life and health, 
privacy, tax and financial services issues. Every day, Ms. Riddle 
played the important role of representing thousands of Iowans, and the 
company itself, as a valuable and effective spokesperson to members of 
Congress.
  In addition to her role at Principal, Lucia is a member of several 
insurance and financial service industry related technical and policy 
committees for numerous organizations, as well as serving on multiple 
boards across the country, from the Smithsonian National Museum of 
African Art to the Des Moines Art Center. Recently in 2011, Ms. Riddle 
received the President's Award from the Washington Government Relations 
Group and this year has been named as one of Savoy Professional 
Magazine's ``Top 100 Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America'' for 
the second time since 2008.
  Over her 38 year career with Principal, Ms. Riddle has embodied the 
ideals of leadership and dedication by assuming several roles above and 
beyond the call of duty. Lucia is a testament to the high quality 
character and unwavering work ethic instilled in Iowans. I invite the 
members of the House to join me in wishing Lucia a long, happy and 
healthy retirement. Thank you.

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