[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DESIREE S. MATTHEWS AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                  FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2023

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Desiree S. Matthews has been with the city 
manager's office since 2001--previously serving as the assistant to the 
city manager and assistant city manager. She was promoted to deputy 
city manager in August of 2011.
  As deputy city manager, Desiree is responsible for assisting the city 
manager with the day-to-day operations of the organization, including 
overseeing Parks & Recreation, Public Works & Engineering, Information 
Technology, and the city's various social service programs and special 
initiatives.
  Desiree received her Bachelor of Science from Florida Atlantic 
University and her master's in public administration from the 
University of Central Florida.
  She is the proud daughter of Jamaican-born parents and is especially 
proud of her mother, Ivett Spence Brown, the first Black female 
firefighter for the City of Fort Lauderdale.
  Desiree's Jamaican roots are evident in her values, good vibes, love 
of diverse cultures, and her spirit of resolve and resilience commonly 
found in Caribbean people. Jamaica's motto, ``Out of Many, One 
People,'' shows that Jamaicans are, indeed one. No matter what race, 
class, religion, age, or gender.
  This culture of unity is why Desiree considers Kissimmee home. No 
matter where we are from, we can be a united people, live in harmony, 
and make our community better.

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