[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN HONOR OF ANNA THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2021

  Mr. PAPPAS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Anna Thomas as 
the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. Anna 
has worked in the Manchester Health Department since 1994 and currently 
serves as its Director.
  During her time at the Health Department, Anna has been a model 
public servant working on behalf of the residents of New Hampshire's 
largest city. Public health known no boundaries, and Anna has worked 
hard to build partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders to 
address the needs of her city. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic 
last year, Anna has served her community as the co-leader of the 
Manchester Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates municipal 
first responder agencies and resources. Equipped with a background in 
emergency response and health promotion, Anna took swift action when 
the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the health and well-being of 
Manchester and its surrounding communities. Alongside the dedicated 
public servants at the Manchester Health Department, which is only one 
of two standalone health departments in our state, Anna and her many 
partners have done a remarkable job managing the most severe public 
health crisis of our time. Now, as the Granite State continues its 
crucial vaccination effort, Anna has been an outspoken advocate for 
equity and expanding access to reach our most vulnerable residents.
  In addition to aiding public health efforts, Anna is also a proud 
veteran and active community member involved in a host of local 
organizations, including Veterans Count, Granite United Way, Mary Gale 
Foundation, and Bean Foundation. Anna works tirelessly to realize a 
brighter, healthier future for the greater Manchester area.
  During an unprecedented year of loss, Anna has embodied smart, 
compassionate leadership benefitting our entire community. On behalf of 
my constituents in New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I 
congratulate Anna Thomas for being named Citizen of the Year by the 
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and thank her again for her 
lifetime of public service.

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