[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA KEIFFNER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT 
                             FROM IBJ MEDIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia 
``Pat'' Keiffner on the occasion of her retirement from IBJ Media. For 
the past twenty-three years, Pat devoted her life to providing 
exceptional service to her co-workers, authors, IBJ partners, and 
vendors. In her more than two decades of service, Pat published various 
statewide publications focusing on education and launched over 400 
books. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever 
grateful for Pat's commitment to literature and educating the next 
generation of Indiana students through her work in publishing.
  Before residing in the Hoosier state, Pat earned a Bachelor of Arts 
in English and Sociology from Morehead State University in Kentucky. 
She later attended Southern Methodist University, where she earned her 
Master's in English. Passionate about education, Pat began her career 
as a secondary and post-secondary English coordinator and instructor at 
Plano Senior High School in Texas. After four years of teaching, Pat 
became the Dean of Academic Affairs at Sawyer Business College, and 
then was Senior Security Coordinator for Northrop Grumman, and later 
General Manager at the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce. These 
positions led her to Indianapolis where she started her own press firm, 
Magna Graphic/ Midwest Incorporated. Her leadership at Magna Graphic/ 
Midwest Inc. prepared her for her career at IBJ Media where she has 
been influential in the management of various projects and 
publications.
  During her career at IBJ Media, Pat stood out as a leader. Her role 
in revamping the graphic production and print processes was 
instrumental in the financial successes of the firm. Along with her 
superb management skills, Pat brought her passion for education into 
the publishing world. Pat started the Custom Publishing division of IBJ 
Media, responsible for launching several statewide education 
publications including Next Indiana, GRAD, and Career Ready. The Custom 
Publishing division is also responsible for producing publications for 
grades K-10, reaching hundreds of thousands of students across the 
State of Indiana. Relationship oriented, Pat developed long-term 
partnerships with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the 
Indiana Department of Workforce Development making these highly 
respected publications possible. During her time with IBJ Media, Pat's 
influence reached beyond the education sector.
  Pat was responsible for overseeing more than forty custom 
publications annually for government, not-for-profits, and various 
industries. She also oversaw the expansion from print to web and mobile 
apps.
  Her many awards are a testament to the exceptional work ethic of this 
incredibly talented individual. A hard worker, Pat published hundreds 
of books through IBJ Book Publishing, three of which were picked up by 
national publishers including Simon & Schuster. Most recently, one of 
these books received the National Jewish Book Award. Of particular 
note, Pat published Breaking Cardinal Rules, which drew national 
attention as a #1 best seller of basketball books.
  Pat's impact on her community goes far beyond publishing. Rooted in a 
desire to make positive change, Pat used her extensive expertise to 
create successful public and private sector partnerships and received 
the Presidential Citation from Ronald Reagan for her statewide 
initiatives.
  Pat's dedication to her community is evidenced by her service on the 
boards of Community Health Network Foundation, Little Red Door, 
Teachers' Treasures, Lugar Series, and Indianapolis Chamber of 
Commerce's ChamberAction. The Indiana Commission for Women recognized 
Pat as a Trailblazer as a recipient of the Torchbearer Award for her 
work with public/private partnerships.
  Pat has made a remarkable impression on her community and the lives 
of her friends, family, and colleagues. She has truly left a legacy of 
success at IBJ Media that will be built upon for years to come. On 
behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I would like to 
congratulate Pat Keiffner on her extraordinary career and extend my 
gratitude for all the wonderful contributions she has made to our 
Hoosier community. While I know Pat will be missed, I wish the very 
best to her husband John and the rest of her family as she enjoys a 
well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________