[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 209 (Thursday, December 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1752]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   TRIBUTE TO A TOP-TIER COMMUNICATOR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of gratitude to recognize 
the professional achievements and service of my friend, Susan Phalen. 
Formerly the Communications Director for the House Homeland Security 
Committee, Susan now holds the title of Director of External Affairs at 
FEMA.
  Susan's role as Communications Director transcended beyond her 
leadership in strategy and messaging. Susan's positive demeanor, PR-
savvy mindset, and determination made her presence not only a valued 
component in my day-to-day but a real delight. She served as a 
spokesperson, confidant and trusted senior advisor whose counsel I 
always held in the highest regard.
  Her expertise in media relations helped to elevate Committee Member 
and press interaction by hosting ``meet and greets'' and ``pen and 
pads'' to facilitate dialogue and solidify relationships. Susan's 
talents were most notably on display in her work assisting on CODEL 
trips abroad. Her interpersonal skills and proficiency in public 
diplomacy shone throughout trips to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. 
She led over one hundred TV interviews during her tenure and oversaw 
the roll out of nine major Committee reports.
  Susan's ability to think outside the box set her apart in developing 
messages for both domestic and international audiences in the national 
security space. She had a unique way of seeing things and consistently 
aimed to address a bigger picture in the anticipation of later trends. 
This is a skill she acquired from her impressive background in handling 
crisis communication scenarios in pressure-filled war zones.
  Before joining my Committee three years ago, Susan was the 
Communications Director of the House Permanent Select Committee on 
Intelligence and spent more than 15 years as a high-profile 
communications specialist working in various national security and 
foreign policy posts with the U.S. State Department among others. She 
was deployed on nine different tours to Baghdad's dangerous ``Green 
Zone'' before spending time in Afghanistan as Director of Strategic 
Communications and Public Affairs for the Special Inspector General for 
Afghanistan Reconstruction.
  It is not surprising that with this type of background, Susan took on 
the responsibility as Director of Communications for my Committee with 
ease and great effectiveness. She left a legacy that has already proven 
steadfast among her former colleagues and myself. Susan's quick wit, 
vivacious spirit, and ability to see humor in all things is missed 
profoundly.
  Today, I am honored to be able to put the spotlight on her. While her 
time at our Committee was only a snapshot into the incredible career 
she continues to build, her friendship and counsel remain constant. She 
has already proven to be a steady hand at FEMA during the recent 
hurricanes, and I am excited to see what she will accomplish next.

                          ____________________