[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 205 (Wednesday, December 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MAYOR MARY KATHERINE GREENLAW

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to thank the Honorable Mary 
Katherine Greenlaw for her dedication to public service on behalf of 
the people of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
  Mayor Greenlaw has always been a pillar of the Fredericksburg 
community, and through her leadership, has shepherded an extraordinary 
period of growth and prosperity for the city. Throughout her life, she 
has continued her family's legacy of service--Mayor Greenlaw served as 
a Trustee on the Mary Washington Hospital Board from 1978 to 1994, then 
as both Chair and Vice-Chair of the Fredericksburg Planning Commission. 
In 2008, she was elected to the Fredericksburg City Council, where she 
served until being elected as Mayor of the City of Fredericksburg in 
2012.
  Throughout her tenure as Mayor, she has been an advocate for small 
businesses, the arts, and families across the city. Her work has 
focused on creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs, improving the 
infrastructure throughout the city to increase transportation options, 
and supporting projects that ensure the longevity of local schools. 
Mayor Greenlaw has delicately balanced her support for the city's 
growth while working to preserve the historical charm for which 
Fredericksburg is well-known.
  Mayor Greenlaw has earned several accolades throughout her tenure, 
including Volunteer of the Year by Pratt Mental Health Association, 
Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scout Commonwealth Council, and the 
Prince B. Woodard Leadership Award from the Fredericksburg Regional 
Chamber of Commerce. She has also served with distinction as a 
representative of the city on the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance and 
as a founding member of the Fredericksburg Festival of the Arts.
  Mayor Greenlaw has been a wonderful partner to me as we have worked 
together on local and federal issues. On a personal note, I thank Mayor 
Mary Katherine Greenlaw for the example she has set for women in 
politics and the young girls and boys across the city who look up to 
and have learned from her leadership. She has been a true and steady 
leader for the City of Fredericksburg. Her devotion to public service 
and her dedication to the betterment of the city have left a legacy 
that will continue to inspire us all for years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating and 
thanking Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw and in wishing her the best as 
she retires to spend time with her sons, grandchildren, and great-
grandchildren.

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