[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 83 (Monday, May 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN RECOGNITION OF KAREN CLEVELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an extraordinary 
leader, Karen Cleveland, for the incredible impact she has had on 
individuals, families, and communities in Northern Virginia and to 
congratulate her on being named Northern Virginia Family Service's 2017 
Community Champion,
  Ms. Cleveland's father, Jim Kelly, was a coach and Athletic Director 
at the University of Cincinnati, and she and her family not only had a 
strong grasp for health and wellness, but also for working with others. 
Accordingly, after graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 
1978, Ms. Cleveland began her career in Fairfax County teaching 
aerobics. She knew she wanted to engage with her community, which is 
why she took an executive position in the Fairfax County Chamber of 
Commerce in 1986. She then had the opportunity, in 1988, to serve as 
the first Executive Director for Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, 
which at the time was a start-up chamber that needed tremendous 
leadership to grow. At the chamber, she worked to establish business 
and community relationships, and her efforts included starting 
initiatives to host awards ceremonies, fundraisers, and more. 
Additionally, she then went on to serve as the executive vice president 
of the Association of Sales and Marketing Companies and as the 
president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia.
  In 2008, Ms. Cleveland received a certificate in leadership coaching 
from Georgetown University and then started the Cleveland Coaching 
Group. As a Leadership Coach, she works with executives and emerging 
leaders to assist them with their personal growth and development. Now 
as the president and CEO of Leadership Fairfax, Inc., a community 
leadership development organization, Ms. Cleveland's expertise has 
allowed her to empower other individuals and organizations to expand 
their businesses and explore new opportunities. She has received 
numerous impressive awards, including being named the YMCA of 
Metropolitan DC Volunteer of the Year, receiving the EXCEL Award for 
Nonprofit Leadership Excellence by the Center for Nonprofit 
Advancement, and more.
  Ms. Cleveland's dedication to improving and preserving businesses and 
leaders is evident through her illustrious career of dedication and 
impressive accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join 
me in congratulating Ms. Karen Cleveland on being named Northern 
Virginia Family Service's 2017 Community Champion, and I wish her all 
the best in her future endeavors.

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