[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    TRIBUTE TO MARY SKEENS ON HER INDUCTION INTO THE WEST VIRGINIA 
                    AFFORDABLE HOUSING HALL OF FAME

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                       HON. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2012

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Mary Skeens, as she is inducted into the West 
Virginia Affordable Housing Hall of Fame. Mary was raised in 
southeastern Kentucky, but has chosen West Virginia as her home to 
carry out her life's work in affordable housing.
  Mary is currently the Executive Director of Community Works in West 
Virginia, a statewide housing network with a membership of 27 nonprofit 
housing providers serving the State's moderate to low-income home 
buyers. Since becoming its Executive Director, Mary has expanded the 
organization's lending capacity by becoming a qualified Seller/Servicer 
of loans to Neighborhood Housing Services of America. In addition, Mary 
has created a Campaign for Excellence, a leadership program designed to 
empower nonprofit housing managers; and developed an Affordable Housing 
Internship Program in partnership with West Virginia University, 
Marshall University and West Virginia Wesleyan University. As a matter 
of fact, I currently employ one of the first interns in this valuable 
program.
  Prior to joining Community Works, Mary worked for the Federation of 
Appalachian Housing Enterprises, known as FAHE, and held various 
positions at the West Virginia Housing Development Fund with the HOME 
Program and in the Commercial Business and Development Department.
  Mary has remained active in many state and local organizations that 
serve affordable housing solutions such as the West Virginia 
Interagency Housing Council, NeighborWorks America Rural Initiative 
Advisory Committee, Board Member of Rea of Hope Fellowship Home for 
Women and as Board Member and past-Chair of the West Virginia 
Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
  Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the West Virginia Affordable Housing Hall 
of Fame is to recognize and honor men and women who have made 
significant and lasting contributions to affordable housing in West 
Virginia. Mary Skeens is truly a leader in affordable housing and 
community investment, and deserving of this honor.
  I thank Mary for her years of service to the improvement of housing 
for all West Virginians. West Virginia is fortunate to call Mary one of 
its own.

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