[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 172 (Thursday, October 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING KATHLEEN AND WILLIAM WISNEWSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ANDREW R. GARBARINO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 2023

  Mr. GARBARINO. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to honor a true 
Long Island ``power couple''--Kathleen and William Wisnewski--who are 
both retiring this year after distinguished multi-decade long careers 
at National Grid--the leading energy provider in my district. Bill 
began his service at National Grid--then known as LILCO--in 1986 as a 
meter reader making $7.50 an hour. A second-generation company 
employee, he put himself through night school and rose through the 
ranks as a gas and electric planner, field inspector, contractor 
supervisor, and finally field trainer, ensuring that future generations 
of National Grid employees will adhere to the same high standards and 
dedication he so diligently displayed over his long career. Bill was 
also long active in IBEW Local 1049 at times serving as a shop steward 
and on the executive board, effectively representing his fellow 
employees through several acquisitions and successful contract 
negotiations.
  Kathy started at the company in 1989 after graduating with a degree 
in business administration from Hofstra University. Initially hired as 
an energy specialist in the conservation services department, Kathy 
climbed the corporate ladder at LILCO, Keyspan and now National Grid 
eventually ascending to Director of Customer and Community Relations 
for all of Long Island. In this position--and all throughout her career 
at National Grid--Kathy worked every day to strengthen communities 
across the island and help my constituents access the essential energy 
resources that power their lives. There was no better example of this 
than Kathy's work in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy--a historic storm 
that devastated my district in 2012. Kathy put in countless hours on 
behalf of National Grid customers, connecting them to critical disaster 
relief and working to restore their life sustaining energy service as 
safely and efficiently as possible. For these efforts she was 
recognized by several municipalities and community organizations 
including the city of Long Beach and its Martin Luther King Center.
  I also want to acknowledge Kathy's service on the boards of Girls 
Inc. and Vision Long Island. Her leadership in these organizations 
dedicated to empowering young girls and building a more vibrant and 
livable community guarantees that her positive impact on Long Island 
will continue to be felt for decades to come.
  For over thirty years, through overnights, weekends, holidays and 
countless storms--Kathy and Bill did their part to make sure the lights 
and heat came on when their neighbors needed it the most. We thank them 
and thousands of National Grid employees just like them who work day-in 
and day-out to literally power our communities.
  While this is certainly a loss for National Grid and my constituents, 
their well-earned retirement will allow them to spend more time with 
their daughters Jennifer and Bridget and dogs Harley and Winnie. I am 
happy they are staying in Lindenhurst, the town they have called home 
since 1993 and wish them many years of smooth sailing as they captain 
their boat ``Club Wiz'' across the Great South Bay and along the South 
Shore communities in my district. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, please join 
me in congratulating William and Kathleen Wisnewski on this momentous 
occasion and thanking them for their years of dedicated service.

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