[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ROB MELLEN FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO DR. PHILLIPS CHARITIES

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                          HON. DANIEL WEBSTER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this 
opportunity to recognize a close friend of mine whose philanthropic 
contributions have greatly impacted the Central Florida community. Rob 
Mellen served as the President and CEO of Dr. Phillips Charities for 
the past five years. Prior to his role at Dr. Phillips Charities, Mr. 
Mellen was a leading and well-recognized corporate, banking and real 
estate attorney and the managing shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt, one 
of Florida's largest law firms.
   Over the last five years as CEO and President, Mr. Mellen has 
inspired Dr. Phillips Charities to work towards new endeavors while 
facing the economic turmoil that has affected our nation. During his 
tenure, the construction of Orlando's Dr. Phillips Center for the 
Performing Arts began. He continues to play an important role in the 
planning and construction of Orlando's long awaited world class 
performing arts center scheduled to open in 2014. With the completion 
of Dr. Phillips Charities' new headquarters, Mr. Mellen also secured a 
place where Dr. Phillips Charities can enhance relationships with other 
major philanthropic organizations and the partnerships with those that 
they serve. His efforts to improve Dr. Phillips Charities' real estate 
portfolio and other investments have enabled Dr. Phillips Charities 
continuous substantial giving. Many charitable non-profit organizations 
in the Central Florida community have been the beneficiaries of their 
giving, and numerous lives have been provided with much-needed support.
   Dr. Philips Charities' donations extend into all parts of the 
Central Florida community, including educational programs, youth 
programs, health and rehabilitative programs, and much more. They have 
given other local nonprofit organizations and charities the resources 
to fund their efforts through donations that have amassed $150 million 
in grants, pledges, and program-related investments over the last 10 
years. Dr. Phillips Charities has made a lasting effect on the Central 
Florida community that has directly touched the lives of thousands of 
children and families.
   Dr. Phillips Charities has been fortunate to have such a dedicated 
and experienced leader at the helm of their operations. I want to 
applaud Rob Mellen on his continued service to the philanthropic needs 
of the Central Florida community. His commitment to excellence, 
leadership and service is to be admired, and may it inspire others to 
follow in his footsteps.

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