[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 135 (Friday, August 12, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E839-E840]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE JESSIE WALLACE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARK E. GREEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 2022

  Mr. GREEN of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
County Executive Jessie Wallace for his distinguished career in service 
to the people of Humphreys County, Tennessee.
  Mr. Wallace was born to Harris Edwin Wallace and Sara Jane Pewitt 
Wallace in McEwen, Tennessee. Being born and raised with his three 
brothers in Humphreys County, he was truly connected to the community 
and well-situated for public service.
  Prior to his tenure as the County Executive, Mr. Wallace rose through 
the ranks of the Humphreys County Telephone Company/TDS Telecom, 
starting as a technician and later becoming the West Tennessee District 
Manager. He worked hard for the Company for 36 years, proving himself 
to be a diligent and reliable worker.
  His hard work and exemplary career did not go unnoticed. In 1998, he 
was elected by his community to represent the 4th District on the 
Humphreys County Commission. He served ten of his twelve years of 
commendable service on the commission as the Chairman of the Public 
Works and Safety Committee, which ensured that the County was a safe 
place for families and businesses to thrive.
  Following his service on the Commission, Mr. Wallace was elected as 
the Humphreys County Executive in 2010. Having won the trust of his 
community, he was tasked with the duty leading the County toward 
greater prosperity and a higher quality of life, which he worked hard 
to achieve. In the space of only eight years, Mr. Wallace's leadership 
took the unemployment rate of 10.5 percent down to only 3.8 percent.
  Having a vast array of skills, a drive for excellence, and a strong 
work ethic, Mr. Wallace wore many hats during his time as County 
Executive. He served as Vice Chairman of the Workforce Essentials Board 
of Directors and the Middle Tennessee Mayors' Caucus, and also as a 
member on the board of directors for the Meriwether Lewis Electric 
Cooperative and MLConnect. He served on many other boards, councils, 
and corporations, sacrificing his time for the good of all Tennesseans.
  Few have worked as hard and tirelessly as Mr. Wallace, and fewer 
still as public servants. His tenure as County Executive, however, was 
not without hardships. Mr. Wallace led the County through devastating 
floods in 2019 and 2021, which caused irreversible damage to the 
property and lives of Humphreys County constituents. In the recent 2021 
flood, the County lost 20 precious lives.
  But through his steadfast leadership and hard work, the County is 
recovering and rebuilding, and Mr. Wallace has ensured that the County 
is in a better place now than when he was born into it. He is an 
exemplar of public service, commitment, and capable leadership, so it 
is fitting that we honor him as he concludes his long career of 
service. On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate County 
Executive Jessie Wallace on the occasion of his retirement and thank 
him for his service to the people of Humphreys County and to all of 
Tennessee.

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