[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 89 (Thursday, June 4, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MRS. CAROLYN SIMS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2015

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Carolyn Sims, 
who is retiring after over 26 years of public service in Tarrant 
County. The communities where she has served in various positions over 
her career are better places because of her efforts.
  For over a decade I had the privilege of working with Mrs. Sims 
during her tenure. However, her service and commitment began long 
before we met, and will have a lasting impact beyond her official 
duties' end. After graduating from the University of North Texas, 
Carolyn began working at a bank until she shifted to public service in 
education, as a middle school teacher and then as a school counselor. 
Mrs. Sims then served as the President of the Colleyville Chamber of 
Commerce as well as for the Arts Council of Northeast Tarrant County.
  During the 2003 legislative session, State Representative Vicki 
Truitt recruited Mrs. Sims to serve as her chief of staff in Austin. 
After returning to North Texas, Carolyn returned to her education roots 
and began to work for the Town of Westlake, Westlake Academy 
Foundation, and then the Northwest ISD Education Foundation. Finally, 
Carolyn utilized her connections and skills to serve the residents of 
Northeast Tarrant County as the 3rd Precinct County Administrator for 
Commissioner Gary Fickes.
  Over the course of her career, Carolyn has been recognized multiple 
times for her significant contributions to the North Texas community. 
In 1994, she received the Women's Award for Business by the Women's 
Shelter Legacy. In 1995, she received recognition from the Northeast 
Leadership Forum as the ``Outstanding Community Volunteer''. Adding to 
her accolades, the Star Telegram named Mrs. Sims the 1999 ``Woman of 
the Year'', while the Business Press named her the ``Most Influential 
Woman'' the same year.
  As Carolyn retires, her community service and dedicated work will be 
greatly missed. During her service of over 26 years, spanning from 
school board to chief of staff, Carolyn habitually placed others ahead 
of herself. It is my privilege to honor such an outstanding citizen in 
the U.S. House of Representatives.

                          ____________________