[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 153 (Friday, September 4, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E819]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF KATHLEEN LOMAKO FOR A DISTINGUISHED CAREER WITH THE 
               SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 4, 2020

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my heartfelt 
congratulations to Kathleen Lomako as she celebrates her retirement and 
recognize her many years of distinguished service with the Southeast 
Michigan Council of Governments. Her contributions to Michigan are 
worthy of commendation.
  Kathleen Lomako has dedicated much of her professional career to 
working in various positions at the Southeast Michigan Council of 
Governments (SEMCOG). She joined SEMCOG in 1979, and quickly became a 
pillar of the organization. Since 2014, Lomako has served as executive 
director, where she has overseen a staff of 66 and has led SEMCOG's 
efforts to address a variety of multi-community, regional issues such 
as transportation, water quality, air quality, solid waste, land use, 
community and economic development, and data analysis. Beyond SEMCOG, 
Lomako has also been president of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition 
(MAC), a nonprofit public/private partnership dedicated to enhancing 
the economic vitality and quality of life in Southeast Michigan.
  Kathleen Lomako has held several other leadership positions and is 
known throughout the community as a passionate leader who effects 
change. She was vice chair of the Michigan Infrastructure Council, 
chair of the Executive Director Council at the Association of Regional 
Councils, and served as board member, treasurer, and vice president of 
the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association. Lomako was 
president of the Heat and Warmth Fund, and has also sat on the boards 
of Inforum, the Urban Land Institute, and the Michigan Society of 
Association Executives. In addition, Lomako has been a fierce advocate 
for women, serving as a board member and officer with the Women's 
Economic Club and a board member with the Michigan Chapter of Women in 
Transportation.
  Without a doubt, Kathleen Lomako has devoted her career to serving 
Michigan and has worked tirelessly to ensure it remains a fruitful, 
safe, and prosperous place. Across all capacities, Lomako has been 
recognized as a dedicated, compassionate, and humble leader who strives 
to make a meaningful difference. She has been the voice of reason in 
challenging times and has encouraged all to work together to better our 
state. Her efforts have transformed Michigan, and her impact will 
forever be remembered.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
retirement of Kathleen Lomako. I am proud to honor her work, 
accomplishments, and significant community impact. We thank her for her 
outstanding service and wish her the best of luck in her future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________