[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 183 (Friday, November 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1449]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         HONORING BERNARD TYSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 15, 2019

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, 
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Bernard 
Tyson, a devoted husband, father, and health advocate. His passing is a 
great loss for our country and all those committed to quality, 
affordable health care, as well as a deeply personal loss for all of 
those who were privileged to call him a friend. We extend our deepest 
condolences to his wife, Denise Bradley-Tyson, his three sons, Bernard 
Jr., Alexander, and Charles, and the Kaiser Permanente family on their 
loss.
  Bernard Tyson was a proud son of the Bay Area who embodied our city's 
values of equality and opportunity for all. Born in Vallejo, 
California, on January 20, 1959, Mr. Tyson was one of seven children of 
Billie and Moses Tyson. He spent his formative years in Vallejo, CA, 
where he graduated from Vallejo High School with the class of 1977. Mr. 
Tyson and his family spent much time in and out of hospitals with his 
mother, who had diabetes. These visits helped shape and develop his 
interest in the field of medicine, and inspired within him a dream of 
running his own hospital one day.
  After graduating from high school, Mr. Tyson attended Golden Gate 
University in San Francisco, California. While in university, he worked 
as an administrative analyst for Vallejo General Hospital. In 1982, he 
earned his Bachelor's Degree in Health Service Management and in 1984, 
he earned his Master of Business Administration from Golden Gate 
University.
  Mr. Tyson spent much of his professional career at Kaiser Permanente, 
which he loved. He joined the company in 1987 as an Assistant 
Administrator. In 1992, he was appointed CEO of the Kaiser Foundation 
Hospital in Santa Rosa. From 1993 to 1999, he held the positions of 
Vice President, Senior Vice President (SVP), and Central East Division 
president for Kaiser Permanente. From 1999 to 2006, he was the SVP, 
Chief Operating Officer for regions outside California, and SVP of 
brand strategy. From 2006 to 2010, he served as the Executive VP of 
Health Plan and Hospital Operations. From 2010 to 2013, he was 
President and COO of Kaiser Permanente. From 2013 to 2014, he was 
promoted to CEO and from 2014 to 2019, he had been Chairman and CEO.
  To say that Mr. Tyson knew the interworking of the Kaiser would be an 
understatement. He worked his way to the top one step at a time, 
mastering all he could along the way. Mr. Tyson's innovative, 
pioneering and effective leadership was recognized by many. In 2017, 
Mr. Tyson was named one of Time's 100 most influential people.
  As one of our nation's most prominent African American CEOs and 
health care leaders, Mr. Tyson blazed a trail for countless other 
health care advocates and leaders of color to bring their vision, 
values and expertise to improving the health and well-being of our 
communities. While he made his mark as a leader of the health care 
community, his reach extended to every part of our Bay Area community: 
to the arts, education, sports, and local activism. He brought a 
commitment to diversity and inclusion to everything he did, from the 
grassroots to the corporate suite. His bright smile encouraged others 
to participate. He gave people hope.
  From when we first met Mr. Tyson, his visionary approach to health 
care stood out. His passionate advocacy for the Affordable Care Act 
helped protect and strengthen this landmark legislation, ensuring that 
every family, in every community had access to the care they needed to 
grow and thrive. For his many contributions to the health of families 
and the strength of our nation, we are deeply grateful.
  Today, on behalf of California's 12th Congressional District, I join 
Congresswoman Lee in celebrating Bernard Tyson's impactful life and 
legacy. May it be a comfort to Denise, Bernard Jr., Alexander, and 
Charles that so many mourn with and pray for them during this sad time. 
May Bernard rest in power and in peace.

                          ____________________