[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1216]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING KAREN CLEVELAND FOR HER SERVICE TO LEADERSHIP FAIRFAX

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 12, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend Karen 
Cleveland on an inspired career in community service. Earlier this 
year, Karen announced she would be transitioning from her role as 
President & CEO of Leadership Fairfax (LFI), which is Northern 
Virginia's premier leadership development organization.
  Karen has become a pillar of our community during her eight-year 
tenure with LFI, so I am pleased to report this is not so much a 
retirement as a turning of the page to her next chapter. I've had the 
pleasure of knowing and collaborating with Karen for the past three 
decades, starting with my service on the Fairfax County Board of 
Supervisors.
  Since 1988, LFI has dedicated itself to shaping the future leaders of 
tomorrow. The dedication of LFI to this endeavor is one that I know 
well; a number of my staff from my time as Providence District 
Supervisor and later as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of 
Supervisors are LFI alumni.
  I know firsthand the value that LFI adds to both the graduates and 
the organizations to which they return. When you walk into a crowded 
room it's easy to spot the graduates of LFI--they just stand out!
  Karen has been an invaluable resource to leaders in both the public 
and private sectors, serving as a facilitator, mentor, partner, and 
friend to us through her work on multiple community initiatives.
  In addition to her role with LFI, Karen has made important 
contributions to our community as the first executive director of the 
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, inaugural chair of the Reston YMCA 
Board of Directors, and executive director of Habitat for Humanity of 
Northern Virginia. She also previously served on the Wolf Trap 
Foundation Board of Directors, supporting the only national park 
dedicated to presenting the performing art.
  On behalf of our grateful community, I wish Karen, her husband, Jim, 
and their family all the best as she embarks on her next chapter.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our 
appreciation for Karen Cleveland's commitment to helping our community 
reflect the LFI motto to lead, unite, and thrive.

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