[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E601-E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING BILLIE JOHNSON ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 22, 2023

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Billie Johnson, a 
Founder and CEO of the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio in our 
district. Mrs. Johnson is retiring after 49\1/2\ years at the helm of 
the agency she helped create. Her legacy is writ large and there is a 
special tribute to her today as her colleagues, peers and our region 
honor her.
  Mrs. Johnson is a pioneer in the aging network. Her accomplishments 
are legion and boundless. Under her leadership, the Area Office on 
Aging has grown from a small divisional office into a comprehensive 
regional agency serving nearly 200,000 older adults in ten counties 
with a staff of nearly 200, along with 2,000 senior volunteers, 180 
service providers, advisors and professional Board Members. The Area 
Office on Aging is considered one of the premier Area Agencies on Aging 
in the United States. Nationally recognized for its work, the agency 
has received eleven national achievement and innovation awards.
  Mrs. Johnson has helped open community centres in neighbourhoods, 
facilitated countless meals delivered, provided seniors with needed 
counselling, expanded services, including seniors and veterans housing, 
health care, and gained access to tens of thousands of our seniors and 
new mothers to the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The Area Office on 
Aging has helped hundreds of thousands of people in Northwestern Ohio 
and taught others how to be leaders in their own communities. Everyone 
here today knows Billie Johnson's commendable record of public service.
  During her tenure with the agency, Mrs. Johnson led the effort to 
develop three, wholly owned subsidiary corporations. These separate 
corporations provide apartment living for low-income senior citizens in 
Northwest Ohio. She also organized the agency's Foundation Board and 
has been instrumental in developing a senior campus of 46 acres that 
provides a full continuum of care for older adults.
  Mrs. Johnson is a recognized leader in the field of aging and has 
served on numerous national boards and state committees. She has been a 
speaker and presenter nationally and internationally on aging and 
women's issues. She has twice been a presenter at the World Conference 
on Women. She is also a leader in our community and serves on many 
local civic boards and foundations.
  Billie Johnson leaves a legacy unmatched. She is a treasure to those 
who are privileged to know her and a mentor to many. Our community has 
been graced abundantly by her efforts.
  After 49\1/2\ years as the President and CEO of the Area Office on 
Aging of Northwestern Ohio, retirement is surely deserved. We all 
acknowledge the profound impact Billie Johnson has had on the millions 
of lives she touched in our corner of the world. Knowing her retirement 
is near, we wish her days be shared with those she loves doing what she 
most enjoys.

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