[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 51 (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JENNIFER ADAMS-BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2013

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great 
sadness to mourn the passing of one of San Diego's great public 
servants, and my first Chief-of-Staff, Jennifer Adams-Brooks.
  Like many other friends and colleagues, I was not aware of Jennifer's 
diagnosis. But that was no accident. It shows you exactly the type of 
person she was: someone who always thought about other people first.
  Jennifer never stopped working to improve the San Diego community. I 
know she thrived in her executive leadership position on the San Diego 
Housing Commission, and was passionate about all her numerous volunteer 
efforts.
  Among her many accomplishments, including starting her own consulting 
firm, Jennifer held the distinction of being the first African-American 
to serve as chair of the San Diego Foundation's Board of Governors in 
its 36-year history.
  Throughout her entire life, Jennifer always remained highly active in 
local civic and community affairs. And that's how we happened to cross 
paths.
  Jennifer got my office running when I first served in the California 
Assembly. And I can tell you she was just as impressive in person as on 
paper.
  During that time, we shared many laughs and memories--even when we 
were up to our ears in work.
  Looking back, I'm sure Jennifer would want us to always think of her 
with that indefatigable spirit--and to remember her as the consummate 
leader and community activist she most certainly was.
  I will always treasure her loyalty and work ethic. And my thoughts go 
out to Leon, her husband, and the rest of her family and friends. I can 
only hope that many others will follow her lead and dedicate their 
lives to the service of others.

                          ____________________