[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 58 (Friday, April 15, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 2015 NORTHERN VIRGINIA LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2015 recipients of 
the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards presented by Leadership 
Fairfax.
   Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to finding, 
training, and growing leaders in Northern Virginia. The mission of 
Leadership Fairfax is to educate, prepare, inspire, and connect leaders 
to serve and strengthen our community. Graduates from its programs 
become part of a fast-growing network of civic leaders. I've always 
said, ``When you walk into a crowded room, it's easy to spot the 
graduates of Leadership Fairfax--they just stand out!''
   Leadership Fairfax alumni and the general public submitted 
nominations for the 19th annual Northern Virginia Leadership Award, and 
a panel of community and business leaders made the final selections. It 
is my honor to submit the following names of the 2015 Northern Virginia 
Leadership Awards recipients:
   The recipient of the 2015 Trustee Leadership Award is Dr. Charles 
Thomas, Jr. in recognition of his work as Project Leader at LMI. Thanks 
to Dr. Thomas' leadership, LMI's commitment to community outreach 
manifests itself in many ways. Some of the programs the company 
supports include Children's Hospital, the Wounded Warriors Project, the 
Fallen Heroes Project and Wreaths Across America.
   The recipient of the 2015 Nonprofit Leadership Award presented to an 
individual is Ms. Eileen Ellsworth, in recognition of her work with the 
Community Foundation of Northern Virginia. The Community Foundation for 
Northern Virginia is a grant-making and endowment-building 
organization, working with donors across the region. Their research on 
key issues philanthropic investment inspires the Northern Virginia 
community to become more engaged in supporting the most pressing issues 
facing our neighbors in need.
   The recipient of the 2015 Nonprofit Leadership Award presented to an 
organization is The Child and Family Network Centers. The Child and 
Family Network Centers' mission is to provide caring, high-quality, 
free education and related services to at-risk children and their 
families in their own neighborhoods in order to prepare them for 
success in school and life.
   The recipient of the 2015 Corporate Leadership Award is Helios HR. 
Helios has provided sustained support to many organizations within the 
Washington metro area. From winter coat drives, to providing pro bono 
resume writing and interviewing skills workshops and mentoring members 
of future generations, Helios is there for the community in innumerable 
ways.
   The recipient of the 2015 Educational Leadership Award is Mr. Jesse 
Kraft, in recognition of his work as Principal of Providence Elementary 
School. Mr. Kraft began his educational career in 1996 after graduating 
from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a National Board Certified 
Teacher, and he earned his Master's degree from George Mason 
University. In 2010 he was recognized by FCPS with the Nancy F. Sprague 
Outstanding First Year Principal Award.
   The recipient of the 2015 Regional Leadership Award is Ms. Leila 
Gordon, in recognition of her work as Director of the Reston Community 
Center. Reston Community Center works to bring the community together 
through enriching leisure time experiences that enhance the value of 
the community and improve local organizational effectiveness.
   Mr. Speaker, the contributions of these individuals and 
organizations are one of the reasons why Fairfax is such a sought after 
community in which to live and work, and this year's honorees highlight 
the legacy of Leadership Fairfax in preparing our community's future 
leaders to address the challenges we face. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in congratulating these honorees and thanking them for their service 
to Northern Virginia.

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