[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 171 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               JOAN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2015

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Joan Smith for 
receiving the West Chamber's 2015 Celebrate Women Award. This award 
celebrates local women leaders with drive, perseverance and service to 
their community.
   Joan began as a Parent Resource Counselor in 1992, but for the past 
25 years has worked for Rocky Mountain Education Center at Red Rocks 
Community College. During her tenure, she wrote the first National 
Science Foundation Grants on behalf of the college both of which were 
funded and began the long and very successful relationship between NSF 
and Red Rocks Community College.
   As director of the OSHA Institute at Red Rocks Community College, 
she became passionate in seeking solutions to the high fatality rate 
among oil and gas workers in the field. Joan worked nationally through 
the industry's STEPS Network to convene a committee of oil and gas 
professionals from across the country to develop safety training 
programs for workers. She has also developed relationships between the 
College and several international partners, including the countries of 
Jordan and Saudi Arabia. She worked with students, universities, and 
employers in Jordan to create the first Solar Energy Technician and 
Occupational Safety and Health Associates Degree programs through the 
Al Baqa Applied University.
   I extend my deepest congratulations to Joan Smith for receiving the 
2015 Celebrate Women Award. Thank you for your leadership and service 
to the community.

                          ____________________