[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 17 (Thursday, January 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE SERVICE OF MS. LISBETH (LIZ) McBRIDE-CHAMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 28, 2021

  Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank Ms. 
Lisbeth (Liz) McBride-Chambers for thirty years of dedicated and 
compassionate service as a member of the Office of Employee Assistance 
(OEA) at the United States House of Representatives.
  In an institution where Members are Constitutionally bound to serve 
terms in two-year increments, it is remarkable to note that Liz is only 
the second individual to serve as the OEA Director in the 
organization's thirty-year history.
  Liz joined the OEA team in May 1991 when the office was in the early 
stages of development. She was one of the first OEA employees hired by 
the beloved first Director, Bern Seidel. Through love, passion, and 
commitment to their profession, Bern and Liz skillfully developed the 
OEA into a preeminent employee assistance program.
  After Bern's passing in February 2017, Liz was promoted to serve as 
the Director of our OEA team. Through her skillful guidance and 
direction, Liz's office delivers comprehensive confidential services 
covering an array of personal and work-related issues to positively 
impact employee performance, productivity, and well-being.
  The OEA team also facilitates staff retreats for Member offices and 
conducts seminars on a variety of topics, including employee well-
being, understanding stress and trauma, enhancing communication skills, 
and managing career transitions.
  In 2018, the OEA's scope expanded when Liz was entrusted to launch 
the House Wellness Center. Through her tireless efforts and close 
partnership with key stakeholders, the House community now has a 
comprehensive wellness program that provides assistance, information, 
and training on all aspects of well-being.
  While each of the OEA's program areas are important to the office's 
overall success, none can surpass the impact that Liz and her team have 
had in response to critical incidents involving the House community. 
Whether it was the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the tragic 
Congressional baseball shooting on June 14, 2017, the horrific siege on 
the Capitol on January 6, 2021, or any other critical incident, Liz's 
commitment and care provided comfort to those experiencing profound 
grief and distress. In addition to her outstanding contributions to the 
House community, Liz's impact has inspired countless waves of 
professionals in the field of employee assistance, As a member of the 
Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) for well over 
thirty years, Liz regularly attends and contributes to the 
organization's world conference, which includes serving as a chair and 
member of the annual conference program planning committee.
  Liz also served as Commissioner and Chair of the Employee Assistance 
Certification Commission. In this role, she established, maintained, 
and oversaw the development and stewardship of the Certified Employee 
Assistance Professional (CEAP) examination and credentialing processes.
  After completing her tenure in these vital roles, Liz continued 
serving as a volunteer trainer for EAPA's CEAP Exam Preparation Course. 
While it would be impossible to count all the lives Liz influenced and 
touched during this process, it goes without saying that her impact 
stretches beyond the counselors she helped through these endeavors.
  Every counselor who passed the rigorous credentialing and examination 
process with Liz's guidance and tutelage was granted the greatest gift 
of all; her knowledge and insights, which they in turn could pass along 
to the employees, organizations, and communities they serve across the 
globe.
  Based on these outstanding contributions, it should come as no 
surprise that Liz has been recognized by her peers both inside and 
outside of the House community. In 2007, Liz was the recipient of the 
CAO's Achieving Excellence Award. She was recognized as the EAPA Member 
of the Year in 2015. One year later, Liz received the Employee 
Excellence Award from the House Officers and Inspector General. 
Finally, in 2020, Liz had the high honor of receiving a Lifetime 
Achievement Award from the Congressional Management Foundation.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to join those who have recognized Liz for 
her outstanding contributions and overall impact to the House of 
Representatives and to the greater employee assistance community. I 
also want to acknowledge Liz's entire team: Tiara Anderson, Breanna 
Becker, Daniel Coleman, Briana Cragwell, Georgeanna Goldstein, Margot 
Hawkins-Green, Rhonda Kaalund, Malia Klee, Jon Murphy, Paul Tewksbury, 
Emily Swartz, and Brian Weiss. This is a very special group of 
employees and they are all commended for their commitment, dedication, 
and professionalism.
  Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and thank Liz 
McBride for her unparalleled service to this great institution.

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