[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 23 (Thursday, February 9, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1069-S1070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KEVIN CONCANNON

 Mr. KING. Mr. President, that Kevin Concannon retired is not 
news--he has done that several times before--and each time he moved on 
to more exciting and challenging positions.
  In 2016, Kevin Concannon retired from the USDA as the Undersecretary 
of Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services after 8 years of service.
  Kevin is a tireless advocate of people--all people. His work to 
assure that every effort was made to address hunger in this country is 
an indicator of his compassion, understanding of both the issues and 
solutions, and his unwavering faith in the ability of this great 
country to care for those who are struggling--whether it is food 
insecurity or earlier in his career on mental health issues, long-term 
care, and child welfare.
  At USDA, Kevin worked tirelessly to increase options for SNAP 
beneficiaries to access fresh local foods at farmers markets; he was 
determined that children should have more access to nutritious foods in 
WIC, schools and child care--while Kevin and I agree on that goal--I 
must add--that as a native Mainer, Kevin may have missed the mark on 
where white potatoes fit into those meal plans.
  Kevin Concannon came to USDA with an amazingly broad spectrum of 
experience. From 1987-1995, he served as the director of the Oregon 
Department of Human Resources, after having served as Commissioner of 
the Maine Department of Mental Health and Corrections. In 1995, I was 
fortunate to be able to bring him back to his home State of Maine to 
serve as the commissioner of Maine's Department of Human Services. At 
the time, I commented that he was the Dan Marino of commissioners and 
welcomed him back. I would point out that Dan Marino is now serving as 
the vice president of the Dolphins, and I expect that, in the same way, 
Kevin Concannon will find ways to continue his public service--and that 
will benefit us all.
  Kevin led efforts throughout his career to improve child welfare, 
expand Medicaid and child health insurance, integrating programs of 
public health and medical care, improving systems for long-term care 
for elders and people with disabilities. Many of those efforts were 
national in scope, and he was selected by his peers to serve as the 
president of the American Public Welfare Association from 1994-1995.
  In every role, in every effort, Kevin Concannon has been an exemplary 
public servant and leader.
  Margaret Chase Smith said it best: ``Public service must be more than

[[Page S1070]]

doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication 
to the people and to the nation.''
  Kevin Concannon is the personification of total dedication, honesty, 
and determination to make the world a better place; that has been the 
hallmark of his work each and every day.
  Congratulations and best wishes to Kevin Concannon and welcome 
home.

                          ____________________