[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 153 (Thursday, September 21, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ROBERT L. WARD

 Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, today I rise today to 
recognize Robert L. Ward for his many years of service to the State of 
Florida and its business community. After 26 years serving as a trusted 
adviser to the Governor's office and legislature, Mr. Ward was chosen 
in 2016 to be the seventh president and chief executive officer of the 
Florida Council of 100, Inc. Since 1961, the Council of 100 has worked 
closely with the governors of the great State of Florida, and on the 
occasion of Mr. Ward's retirement, I commend his dedication to ensuring 
the economic prosperity of all Floridians.
  During my time as governor, Mr. Ward supported my efforts to drive 
job creation in the State. He facilitated the creation of a long-term 
strategic plan for PreK-12 education in Florida emphasizing high 
standards, rigorous assessments, strong accountability, and the 
instructional benefits of career and technical education and work-based 
learning, two key components of our State's educational success. 
Additionally, Mr. Ward led a project recommending ways to increase 
research and development by Florida's universities and an initiative 
outlining a comprehensive economic competitiveness strategy for our 
State.
  Subsequently, Mr. Ward continued to shape workforce policy by serving 
as the chairman of Florida's Talent Development Council, which ensures 
that our State's educational programs are meeting the needs of business 
and industry, and authoring editorials celebrating Florida's thriving 
business climate and talent pipeline, while Mr. Ward was also a staunch 
advocate for government fiscal responsibility.
  I applaud Mr. Ward for his tenure with the Florida Council of 100 and 
his long-time dedication to helping Floridians in all the capacities in 
which he has served. I am pleased to recognize Robert L. Ward in the 
U.S. Congress.

                          ____________________