[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 106 (Thursday, June 17, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S4620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        TRIBUTE TO JANET PIRAINO

  Ms. BALDWIN. Madam President, I rise today to honor the service of 
Janet Piraino, my State director, who will retire from my office and 
the U.S. Senate on July 19, 2021.
  Janet has spent her professional career dedicated to serving 
Wisconsinites. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin--Madison, 
Janet forged a path in public service early in her career. Her first 
job was as a field organizer for a race for Wisconsin Governor, 
followed by nearly 10 years as a legislative policy advisor to 
Wisconsin legislators in the State capitol.
  Janet quickly earned recognition as a valued staff member and 
committed leader. Her experiences working with both legislators and 
constituents led to her assuming positions in a variety of roles, both 
at the local and Federal government level.
  Over the past 30-plus years, Janet has served in a variety of 
capacities with many Wisconsin elected officials, including 7 years as 
State director for U.S. Senator Russ Feingold; 2 years as chief of 
staff for Congressman Tom Barrett; 8 years as chief of staff for 
Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz; and 2 years as district director for 
U.S. Congressman Mark Pocan. Outside of her roles in government, Janet 
has also worked as a special assistant for State relations at the 
University of Wisconsin System and as vice president for advancement at 
the Overture Center Foundation in Madison, where she led the charge to 
help transition this legacy performing arts venue from a city-run venue 
to a privately owned facility.
  Janet is also an active member of many community organizations, 
including Madison's Downtown Rotary. She spends considerable time 
engaged in meeting with others interested in pursuing a career in 
public service and has mentored countless Wisconsinites over these many 
years.
  Outside of the office, Janet enjoys spending time with her partner of 
20 years, J.R. Sims, their grandbaby, Titan Cairo Sims, and their 
enthusiastic pandemic puppy, Sadie. Janet also enjoys traveling and 
participating in organized bike rides, including the Door County 
Century and the Best Dam Bike Tour on her Wisconsin made Trek Madone. 
She is a devoted fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, especially Giannis 
Antetokounmpo, and is always eager to host friends and colleagues on 
her roof deck overlooking the Madison skyline.
  I knew of Janet's can-do reputation and energetic commitment to 
public service long before she joined my Senate office in 2015, and I 
am delighted that she has become a valued member of our team. Along 
with my entire U.S. Senate staff, I wish her all the best as she begins 
a new chapter with her well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________