[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 65 (Monday, April 23, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING GERI SHAPIRO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 23, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize a dear 
friend, a dedicated public servant, a tireless advocate, and one of the 
nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, Ms. Geri 
Shapiro. Geri is receiving the ``Legacy Award'' at this year's 
``Volunteers Spirit Awards'' in Westchester, hosted by Volunteer New 
York. I cannot think of a more deserving or impressive honoree.
  A Senior Advisor to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Geri is a longtime 
Westchester resident who is intimately involved with a wide-array of 
important issues that impact our community and its residents. She is a 
staunch advocate for the county, working with leadership from all 
levels of government, nonprofits and the business community. Geri 
understands finer details of the ``big picture'' of any issue--seniors, 
people with disabilities, access to social services, nuclear power, 
healthcare--but her primary focus is always on the person or family 
whose life is directly impacted.
  The story of how Geri got into public service is an inspiring one. 
Her first career was as a stay-at-home mom who devoted much of her time 
volunteering at her daughter's school and caring for her aging parents. 
She was active in the Edgemont PTA and served as PTA president. In 
2000, she began volunteering for Hillary Clinton's U.S. Senate 
campaign. Known by her family as the ``expeditor,'' her skills and 
experiences were quickly recognized and, at age 59, she was asked to 
serve as Westchester County Regional Director for Senator Clinton. In 
2009 she transitioned to Regional Director for Senator Kirsten 
Gillibrand, and currently serves as a Senior Advisor.
  Though Geri is not always in the spotlight, you can be certain she is 
always working to make Westchester County a better place, all while 
inspiring and empowering others. Throughout her career, she has 
mentored staff, volunteers, and members of the community, particularly 
women. Geri has been honored with the National Association for Female 
Executives 2012 Women of Excellence Award for Service to New York for 
her ``vision, courage, compassion, proven success and generosity as 
demonstrated by how they help other women succeed.''
  Volunteering, and a bit of tenacity, opened a new door in Geri's 
life. I'm certainly glad it did. Geri has done some amazing work on 
behalf of Westchester County and its residents, and we are all grateful 
for her advocacy. As Volunteer New York honors her with their Legacy 
Award, I too would like to send my appreciation to Geri, and my 
personal thanks. She has been a great partner to me in the community 
for many years, but more importantly, she has been a wonderful friend. 
Congratulations to Geri on this great honor.

                          ____________________