[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 24, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SUSAN ``LEANNE'' POWELL

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                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2019

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell, a dear friend of more than 15 years. Leanne 
was a passionate and fierce leader whose light reached across North 
Carolina's Eighth Congressional District and brightened our great 
nation. Leanne departed this life on July 20, 2019 at Carolinas Medical 
Center in Charlotte. Exemplary of her devotion to others, Leanne 
requested her organs be donated to her community and now three Notth 
Carolinians will benefit from her continued generosity.
  Leanne led a life of distinction and at age 12 started a career in 
politics that would span more than three decades. As a young woman she 
served as a campaign volunteer for the late Congressman Bill Hefner and 
later joined his office staff. This experience foreshadowed the 
extraordinary woman she was to become. Leanne went on to serve the 
White House Women's Office under President Bill Clinton and Department 
of Agriculture Undersecretary Jill Long Thompson. Following this time 
in our nation's capital, she returned to North Carolina and founded a 
successful campaign consulting firm before managing the campaign of 
Congressman Larry Kissell. Leanne helped elect this history teacher-
turned-candidate to Congress in 2008 and served two terms as 
Congressman Kissell's Chief of Staff, a tenure defined by ideological 
purity and constituent service.
  After deciding to leave politics in 2013, Leanne would tell 
colleagues she wanted to ``make an honest living'' making whiskey. 
Today, Southern Grace Distilleries stands as one of North Carolina's 
premier distilleries and a testament of Leanne's hard work and 
dedication. Reflective of Leanne's innumerable accomplishments and 
devotion to public service, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper inducted 
Leanne into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on July 17, 2019, the 
highest civilian honor the governor can bestow. Throughout Leanne's 
life she made service to others a priority.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Leanne's husband, Drew Arrowood; her 
mother, Judy M. McCord; her brother, Albett ``Chip'' Powell Jr.; and 
all who loved her, including her beloved canine companion, Bleu. Renee 
and I join our entire community as we grieve together during this 
difficult time.
  I know I speak for the entire community when I say Leanne lives on in 
the hearts and minds of all who felt her kindness and generosity and I 
will do everything in my power to honor her extraordinary life.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy 
of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell.

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