[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 146 (Tuesday, September 27, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MICHELE CRAIG

  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a dedicated public 
servant and advocate for the people of West Virginia, Michele P. Craig, 
on her retirement. Ms. Craig stepped down from her role as executive 
director of KYOVA Interstate Planning Commission and Region II Planning 
and Development Council on July 1. Her 30 years of service have 
benefited the State of West Virginia and the Huntington area.
  Michelle received a bachelor's degree in economics from Queens 
College in Charlotte before completing graduate work at West Virginia 
University and American University. After beginning her career in 
Washington, she returned home after losing her father in the Marshall 
University plane crash of 1970 and began working in the family 
business. During this time, she also served in the West Virginia House 
of Delegates from 1973 through 1978.
  In 1986, Michele went to work for Region II Planning and Development 
Council; within a year, she became executive director. During her 
tenure, Michele oversaw a staff that grew from 4 to 13 individuals, 
serving Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, and Wayne Counties. I 
have had the pleasure of working with Michele and her staff on numerous 
projects benefiting the citizens of West Virginia. Her wealth of 
knowledge, professional expertise, and poise were integral to these 
accomplishments. My staff and I will miss Michele as she moves on, but 
she has left behind a strong foundation for the future.
  Aside from her role as executive director, Michele has served her 
community through several organizations, including the Prestera 
Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, and Hospice of Huntington. She is 
also an avid reader, gardener, and world traveler. Michele is married 
to Thomas L. Craig, and together, they have three children.
  I wish Michele all the best as she spends more time with her children 
and grandchildren, enjoying her favorite activities and continuing her 
philanthropic endeavors and service to the Huntington area. Throughout 
her career, she has made a positive difference in the lives of many 
West Virginians. It has been an honor working with her, and it is an 
honor to call her my friend and fellow West Virginian. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in honoring her service.

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