[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 30 (Monday, March 4, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


PAYING TRIBUTE TO ELLEN K. ANNALA, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE UNITED WAY 
                           OF CENTRAL INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 4, 2013

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Ellen K. Annala for her 23 years of service as President and CEO of the 
United Way of Central Indiana. The people of my Congressional district 
and the State of Indiana are forever grateful for Ellen's contributions 
and commitment to making the United Way what it is today, a powerful 
force for positive local development.
  Over the years, Ellen's leadership has been critical in providing 
community leaders with the vision and necessary resources to discover 
new solutions and address the needs of our state and ensure the welfare 
of our citizens. As the first female leader of the United Way of 
Central Indiana, Ellen has been instrumental in bringing together 
Hoosier leaders from all walks of life to make our communities better 
places to live.
  Due to Ellen's strong leadership, the United Way is making tomorrow a 
better place by helping children today. She has tirelessly promoted 
early childhood learning by partnering with Indianapolis Public Schools 
in an effort to dramatically increase the number of children performing 
at grade level by sixth grade.
  Today, the United Way of Central Indiana is even better equipped to 
support many of the region's rural communities as a result of Ellen's 
guidance. She has opened offices and brought resources to the five 
counties surrounding Indianapolis, giving the United Way the unique 
ability to respond to local needs.
  On behalf of the grateful constituents of the Fifth Congressional 
District, I congratulate Ellen on the occasion of her retirement. Thank 
you, Ellen, for your 23 years of dedicated leadership with the United 
Way of Central Indiana. Best wishes to you as you pursue new challenges 
in the many bright years ahead of you.

                          ____________________