[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO KAREN SHAFF

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2013

  Mr. LATHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and recognize 
Karen Shaff for being named a 2013 Women of Influence honoree by the 
award-winning central Iowa publication, Business Record.
   Each year, Business Record undertakes an exhaustive review to 
identify a standout group of women in the Greater Des Moines area who, 
as the publication notes, ``have made a difference.'' An impressive 
group of inspiring female leaders are selected annually for this 
prestigious distinction, which is based on combined criteria of 
community involvement, career success, and being a role model for other 
women to emulate. The 2013 Women of Influence honorees join an 
impressive roster of more than 130 women who have changed and are 
continuing to change our communities for the better.
   Karen Shaff began her career at what was then known as Bankers Life 
Co. in 1982. In the three decades since, she has ascended the ladder to 
become executive vice president and general counsel at Principal 
Financial Group Inc., making her the highest ranking female officer of 
an organization whose reach spans the globe. Coming from a family of 
public servants, she was well-acquainted with community involvement 
from an early age--and it's shown. Mrs. Shaff is president of the 
Animal Rescue League of Iowa's advisory council, has led the 
fundraising efforts for the construction of the Science Center of Iowa, 
and is a member of the Grinnell College board of trustees. She's also 
involved with such organizations as Bravo Greater Des Moines and 
Hospice of Central Iowa.
   Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to represent leaders like Karen 
Shaff in the United States Congress, and I am pleased to recognize her 
for working to better both her community and the great state of Iowa. I 
invite my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating her on 
receiving this esteemed designation, thanking those at Business Record 
for their great work, and wishing each member of the 2013 Women of 
Influence class continued success.

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