[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 158 (Monday, September 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E835-E836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE CAREER OF SALAM NALIA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 14, 2020

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of 
Salam Nalia, an accomplished international businessman and community 
advocate in the Central Valley.
  Salam began his education at the age of five through missionary 
school. He then earned a bachelor's degree from Karachi University in 
Pakistan, a bachelor's degree in accounting and master's degree in 
business administration from Fresno State.
  He has extensive experience and success in the development and 
implementation of accounting systems, fiscal and grants management, and 
leadership within nonprofit management. Salam has developed projects 
focused

[[Page E836]]

on maximization of economic resources and development for distressed 
communities. Some of his domestic projects include the establishment of 
a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and 
assisting in establishing a credit union in Fresno, California. Other 
international projects include the consortium of the UNOCAL gas 
pipeline project, Petro chemical project and a construction project in 
Singapore.
  Salam has expanded his experience and network internationally as he 
served as a County Head of Finance for a multi-national company, 
established international joint ventures, participated in the 
development of a $2.5 billion eight-country gas pipeline consortium and 
other projects related to construction, petrochemicals and textiles. He 
traveled to many countries around the globe, including Western and 
Eastern Europe, Thailand, Dubai, and Romania. He was invited and 
recognized by the Romanian government to be the nation's Honorary 
Consul General.
  His leadership in the community has made a significant impact. Salam 
has been involved within the community by serving on boards of several 
organizations, such as the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, Fresno Arts 
Museum, Citizens Foundation USA, Central Valley Center for the Blind, 
and other organizations. For the past 27 years, he has worked for the 
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission. He has served as the Chief 
Financial Officer and an effective leader managing the fiscal affairs 
within the nonprofit business. As CEO of the Fresno CDFI, he has 
successfully led the expansion of the operations and help communities 
develop infrastructure and enhance job potential. Without a doubt, 
Salam has made a significant impact to progress the economic and human 
prosperity within the Central Valley.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
honoring the retirement of Mr. Salam Nalia. I wish Salam and his family 
continued success, health and happiness in this new chapter of his 
life.

                          ____________________