[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THANKING CHARLENE BEST FOR HER SERVICE TO THE HOUSE

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                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2021

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank my constituent, 
Charlene Best, for nineteen years of outstanding service to the United 
States House of Representatives. She retired on June 3 from her role as 
Manager with the Asset Management Department of Logistics and Support.
  Charlene has had a very distinguished career prior to her House 
employment. In high school and into college, she worked with the 
Department of the Navy. After her graduation in 1995, she went to work 
for the National Science Foundation as an Administrative Assistant, 
followed by a stint with the Census Bureau from 1999 to 2000. Later, 
she worked as an Executive Assistant for Booz, Allen, Hamilton.
  Charlene had long wished to be a House employee and began 
interviewing in 2002, earning a position as a Special Assistant for the 
Office of the CAO in the Office Systems Management. She quickly moved 
through the ranks and became a Supervisor and, eventually, Manager with 
First Call from 2007 through 2015, before moving up to her current 
position. Charlene also served as a Move Coordinator during the many 
Congressional Transitions and brought her special talents and expertise 
to Members of Congress and their staffs.
  When asked about the highlights of her career, Charlene has said how 
much she appreciated the mentorship of her boss, Tom Coyne, Chief 
Logistics Officer, and she credits him with helping her to grow 
professionally. She has also cited one of her first supervisors, Carol 
Nichols, as someone who saw potential in her and invested time and 
energy to help her advance in her career.
  One notable contribution that Charlene made to the House was her 
participation in the lying-in-state of Rosa Parks, for which she earned 
Congressional recognition. She remembers this event with sober 
reflection. In addition, one of the most cherished memories from her 
House career was being present in the Capitol for the first 
inauguration of President Barack Obama. While relaying the story to my 
staff, she recalled being in the hallway of the Capitol on the path 
leading out to the inaugural stage, when President-Elect Obama walked 
within ten feet of where she was standing and gave her a friendly wink 
prior to stepping out onto the stage. She loves to tell this story to 
demonstrate the great honors she has felt working for the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Charlene, like so many House employees, had been teleworking during 
the COVID-19 pandemic, and she said that she felt lucky to have spent 
some `home time' with her daughter Jordyn, a graduating senior. It was 
a welcome opportunity to spend quality time with Jordyn before she 
heads off to college in the fall. In retirement, Charlene is looking 
forward to enjoying more time spent with her family and pursuing other 
opportunities.
  I hope all of my colleagues will join me in extending our 
congratulations to Charlene Best for her many years of dedication and 
outstanding contributions to this House. I wish her many wonderful and 
fulfilling years in retirement.

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