[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 29, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MRS. KELLY SANTORO

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2022

  Mr. VALADAO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Warden Kelly 
Santoro for her 30 years of service to the Central Valley community and 
congratulate her on her well-earned retirement.
  Just like many in her family before her, Mrs. Santoro knew she wanted 
to dedicate her career to serving the state of California. She began 
her career in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 1993 
as a correctional officer at Centinela State Prison. Throughout her 
decorated career, she held crucial positions in the California Prison 
system ranging from Correctional Counselor to Associate Warden.
  In 2012, Mrs. Santoro was named the Chief Deputy Warden of the Wasco 
State Prison Reception Center. In this role, she displayed incredible 
professionalism and competence as she oversaw over 5,000 inmates and 
nearly 1,500 members of staff. Her work in running the day-to-day in 
this role impressed her colleagues and would lead her to be named the 
acting Warden of the North Kern State Prison in 2015. In August of 
2016, she would officially be named Warden of North Kern State Prison--
a role she held until her retirement this year.
  Not only has Mrs. Santoro served her community through the State's 
Correctional Department, but she has also been a leader in the Central 
Valley through her philanthropic work. She and the North Kern State 
Prison raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charities such as 
the Ronald McDonald House, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Women's 
Shelter, and many others. For 30 years, Mrs. Santoro has been an 
incredible example of the dedication, professionalism, and selflessness 
that encompass the values of the Central Valley community.
  I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me 
in honoring Mrs. Kelly Marie Santoro for her 30 years of service to our 
community and congratulate her on a well-earned retirement.

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