[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 13 (Friday, January 20, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E39]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        HONORING JULIE JACOBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 20, 2023

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Julie Jacobson's 
lifetime of devoted service to Central Massachusetts. Thanks to her 
leadership, the people of Worcester and Auburn, Massachusetts have seen 
incredible improvements in our communities.
  After graduating from Worcester's College of the Holy Cross, Ms. 
Jacobson began her career in service at the Massachusetts State House 
working alongside State Representative Thomas P. White. It was with 
State Representative White where she discovered her passion and talent 
for public service.
  In 1985, Ms. Jacobson began working for the City of Worcester, 
quickly ascending to the role of Director of Economic Development. 
During her 15-year tenure, she oversaw more than 200 major development 
projects, all targeted toward the success of Worcester business and 
improving the lives of all who live and work here. An incredible 
leader, Ms. Jacobson coordinated programs across the private sector 
with help from small business grant programs to drive economic growth 
in our city.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jacobson's impact on the Worcester community cannot 
be understated. In 2001, Ms. Jacobson began to lead the Worcester 
Regional Chamber of Commerce's Economic Development and Public Policy 
program. Quickly, she was chosen to lead the Regional Chamber of 
Commerce as Interim President and CEO. Under her guidance, she steered 
the second largest chamber of commerce in New England to roaring 
success.
  Ms. Jacobson then went to serve the Worcester community at large, 
holding three critical offices: CEO of Worcester's Redevelopment 
Authority, Chief Development Officer, and Assistant City Manager. She 
uplifted communities through neighborhood development, urban renewal, 
and investments in transportation infrastructure.
  Ms. Jacobson's most critical work, though, combined her visionary 
leadership with her passion for local communities. In 2011, she began 
her 12-year tenure as Town Manager in Auburn, revitalizing the town's 
government, streamlining services, and improving her community. Under 
her leadership, she steered Auburn toward improved sustainability and 
more transparent governance.
  Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jacobson's commitment to solid and effective 
governance should serve as an example for local leaders across the 
country. Few have dedicated their expertise so consistently to the 
communities in which they live. On behalf of the United States Congress 
and all the people of Central Massachusetts whose lives she touched, it 
is my great privilege to thank and recognize Ms. Jacobson for her 
service.

                          ____________________