[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING DONNA FIALA IN HONOR OF WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 7, 2017

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I 
rise today to honor Donna Fiala. Her service as Collier County 
Commissioner has had major impact in Southwest Florida.
   Upon moving to Collier County, Ms. Fiala got involved in her 
community right away. She joined the Naples Junior Woman's Club, the 
Marco Island Kiwanis Club, the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, the 
Naples Press Club, and the Marco Island Historical Society. She now 
holds leadership positions in many of these organizations, and several 
others.
   Ms. Fiala decided to run for the office of President of the East 
Naples Civic Association, where she worked to improve her community by 
adding picnic benches, a playground, a ball field, and outdoor 
lighting. Her experiences as President influenced her decision to run 
for Collier County Commissioner.
   As Commissioner, Ms. Fiala has represented Collier County and the 
State of Florida for issues pertaining to the environment and safety in 
discussions with the National Association of Counties, and has served 
as chair of the Local Coordinating Board for the Transportation 
Disadvantaged, which works to increase access to transportation for 
those who are unable to drive.
   In May of 2015, the Donna Fiala Community Center at Eagle Lakes 
Community Park opened in East Naples. This community center serves as a 
safe place for children and families to gather for events and various 
activities. Commissioner Fiala's commitment to helping children and 
adults live healthy lives has continued. She is currently working to 
expand the facilities at the park to include a swimming pool complex. 
This facility reflects her longtime interests in healthy living and 
improving the appearance of her community.
   Commissioner Fiala's work has improved the lives of many in Collier 
County. The depth and breadth of her service is nothing short of 
remarkable. Throughout my time in Congress representing Collier County, 
I've always found Commissioner Fiala to be a dedicated partner as we've 
worked for the betterment of the Southwest Florida community. I am 
lucky to be able to collaborate with such a hard working woman who 
cares so deeply about her community.
   Mr. Speaker, I am privileged to know Commissioner Fiala and I 
greatly admire her service to Collier County. Donna is an exemplary 
example of a private citizen who has chosen to use her many talents in 
service of those around her. I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this remarkable individual.

                          ____________________