[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 75 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KAREN COLLINS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 1, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Karen 
Collins, whom I have named the 2024 Woman of the Year for Sonoma County 
because of her excellent work in our community. Woman of the Year 
recognizes women who have made important contributions to California's 
4th Congressional District in Arts and Culture, Professional 
Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation or Community Service.
  Ms. Collins grew up in Spokane, Washington, with her dad and two 
brothers. She received a bachelor's degree in political science and 
American history from Whitworth University, and a master's degree in 
American Government from George Washington University. She also earned 
a junior college teaching credential from San Francisco State 
University, and is a graduate of the Public Affairs Institute of 
Washington, D.C.
  Ms. Collins is a prominent leader on environmental and agricultural 
issues. She is an outstanding member of our community, having served on 
countless commissions and organizations throughout Sonoma County 
including the City of Sonoma's Environmental Advisory Commission, the 
Sonoma County Regional Parks Advisory Commission, and the City of 
Sonoma Parks and Recreation Task Force. She also served as President of 
the Bay Area Public Affairs Council, as chair of the California State 
Trails Commission, and as chair and member of various other community 
organizations. Ms. Collins, dedication as a public servant is clear.
  Notably, Ms. Collins has volunteered for many campaigns including 
Cows not Casinos and ballot measures for the Sonoma County Agricultural 
and Open Space District and Sonoma County Regional Parks Department. 
She also worked on the urban growth boundary campaign and the Sonoma 
Valley Hospital property tax campaign.
  Her impact is not limited to Sonoma County. Ms. Collins served as the 
Deputy Director of the Container Corporation of America, as the 
Director of Governmental Relations for the Del Monte Corporation and as 
Deputy Director of California State Parks. She even started her own 
company, Going Places! Walking Tours for Women.
  Ms. Collins' incredible impact on our community has been recognized 
by many. In 2019, she was named the City of Sonoma's Alcaldessa. She 
received the 2017 California State Senate Woman of the Year award from 
California State Senator Bill Dodd, the City of Sonoma's 
Conservationist of the Year Award in 2014 and received the Sonoma 
Valley Hospital Pulse Award in 2008. These awards exemplify Ms. 
Collins' constant and unwavering dedication to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, we thank Ms. Karen Collins for her excellent service and 
passion for our community. Therefore, it is fitting that we honor her 
here today as Sonoma County's 2024 Woman of the Year.

                          ____________________