[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 31, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING STEPHEN B. HOVEN UPON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 19 YEARS OF SERVICE 
                             TO SSM HEALTH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2017

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
mine, Mr. Stephen B. Hoven, on his retirement from SSM Health as the 
Vice President of Public Affairs following 19 years of service.
   In August 1997, Mr. Hoven joined SSM Health, founded by the 
Franciscan Sisters of St. Mary, as the Vice President of Public 
Affairs. In this position Mr. Hoven provided leadership in multiple 
external markets. He has also collaborated with public policy leaders 
in municipal affairs, and local, state and federal governments which 
have positively benefitted SSM Health. Additionally, Mr. Hoven has 
coordinated civic and community events throughout Missouri. Mr. Hoven 
has helped further SSM Health's vision and mission throughout the 
communities they serve during his 19 years of service. The passion Mr. 
Hoven has shown for his job, the people who work at SSM, those they 
serve and his country has been a true asset to SSM.
   Mr. Hoven began his career in public affairs in 1982 as the Manager 
of Public Affairs for Ozark Air Lines in St. Louis during which time he 
oversaw the coordination of state legislation in 25 states. 
Additionally, as Manager of Public Affairs, he managed civic affairs 
for 65 cities and handled the corporate charitable program. In 1986 he 
moved to the St. Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association. From 
1986 to 1990 he was the Administrative Assistant to the president of 
that association. Then from 1990 to 1994 he was Vice President of 
Government Affairs and Transportation. In 1994 Mr. Hoven stepped into 
the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of a 
4,000 member chamber of commerce. This chamber of commerce was 
committed to increasing their regional cooperation and also expanding 
their economic growth opportunities in the St. Louis region.
   Mr. Hoven has volunteered many hours throughout his professional 
career to numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the 
boards of the Museum of Transportation, the Japan-American Society, the 
American Cancer Society, the Leadership Council of Southwestern 
Illinois, the Boys and Girls Town of Missouri, the Associated 
Industries of Missouri, the St. Louis Sports Commission and the St. 
Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association's Public Policy Council. 
Each one of these groups has been positively impacted by Mr. Hoven's 
service.
   With this retirement Mr. Hoven will now be able to spend more time 
with his wife Jill, and they look forward to spending more time with 
their beloved dogs. Mr. and Mrs. Hoven are planning to live part of the 
year in Colorado and will be RV traveling as well, but will still be a 
regular presence in their Warren County home in Missouri's 3rd 
District.
   I ask you in joining me in recognizing Mr. Steve Hoven on his 
retirement. The commitment he has shown to the SSM Health and his 
community is a commendable accomplishment.

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