[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 130 (Monday, July 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E805-E806]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               MS. COURTNEY RENKEN RECOGNITION OF SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 26, 2021

  Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Courtney 
Renken, who will be leaving my office after seven years of 
distinguished service to the people of Texas Congressional District 12.
  Born and raised in North Texas, Courtney became involved in her 
community at an early age. From her association with the International 
Order of the Rainbow for Girls, to her membership in the Lake Worth 
chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, to her work with the Azle 
Lions Club, Courtney has pursued every opportunity to learn from and 
support those around her.
  In 2014, while attending law school, Courtney joined my team. 
Balancing her schoolwork and a research job, she managed to take on 
some of the most detail-oriented duties in my office, the kind most 
people try to avoid. She gravitates not to the glamorous tasks, but to 
those that are essential for an organization to function smoothly.
  I was finally able to hire Courtney full-time after she earned her 
law degree, from Fort Worth's own Texas A&M University School of

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Law. She quickly became an irreplaceable part of my office, rising to 
the role of Deputy District Director. Courtney's responsibilities 
include day to day management of my district office and ensuring our 
local office staff stays in close touch with our Washington, D.C. 
staff, but her contributions have gone above and beyond those required 
of her position. She is always looking for ways to innovate. She led 
the transition of my district office to a digital-based, paperless 
operation, and she was the driving force behind practices that led to 
my office winning a Democracy Award for Innovation and Modernization in 
Constituent Service from the Congressional Management Foundation.
  Courtney is known for her hospitality when welcoming people to Fort 
Worth. She has introduced countless visitors to the 12th District's 
charms, as well as its workout classes. She is always available to her 
colleagues and to constituents, many of whom she calls friends, whether 
it's to discuss a work issue or to try a new local restaurant. 
Courtney's work ethic shows even in her hobbies. She manages popular 
social media accounts for both her dog and herself. She is a fantastic 
cook and baker, a talent she balances with a dedication to fitness, 
including once completing 42 spin classes in 30 days. Courtney is a 
world traveler, has flown an airplane, and taken a ride in a race car 
going 180 miles per hour around the Texas Motor Speedway.
  Courtney will be leaving my office to pursue a career in federal law 
enforcement. As much as we will miss her, we are proud of her 
commitment to public service and will continue to support her as she 
embarks on this new journey. On behalf of Texas' 12th Congressional 
District, I offer her congratulations and best wishes for the future.

                          ____________________