[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E271]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  HONORING KELLY FLAHERTY CLARK AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL 
                   FLORIDA FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2024

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Kelly Flaherty Clark has lived in Central 
Florida for 35 years and is the corporate vice president of animal 
behavioral well-being and management for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens 
parks. She has a Master of Science in Biology from Clemson University 
and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from The Ohio State 
University. She completed Orlando Political Leadership Institute's 
curriculum and is a passionate advocate for civil liberties and 
equality.
  Thirty-six years ago, Kelly was one of few women in her field. As one 
of its first executives, she committed to elevating other women through 
service on executive boards and committees of zoological professional 
organizations, such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the 
Alliance of Marine Animal Parks and Aquariums, and others. She 
dedicates herself to young women interested in behavioral or biological 
sciences, never turning down a visit to a science class or a 
conversation with an aspiring animal professional.
  Raised by a woman who, at 86, still cooks for the homeless community 
Kelly is drawn to public service and philanthropy. She ``rings the 
bell'' for the Salvation Army and attends every cause event she can 
schedule. In 2008, a gala introduced Kelly to Make-A-Wish, which is 
dedicated to granting the wishes of children facing life-threatening 
illnesses. She served on their board for 12 years and facilitated the 
chapter's significant growth in number of children served. Kelly has 
several professional and community accomplishments but is most proud to 
have raised two brilliant, successful, and, most importantly, tolerant 
young men. Casey, 28, and Spencer, 25. The two attended Central 
Florida's K-12 public schools and graduated from The Ohio State 
University and Emerson College, respectively. She has been married to 
her husband, Stewart, for 32 years and will serve her family, 
community, and profession for as long as she is able.

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