[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 135 (Friday, August 30, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING CHANNELL WILKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 30, 2024

  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career 
and retirement of Channell Wilkins, President and CEO of O.C.E.A.N., 
Inc., and his commitment to bettering the lives of communities across 
New Jersey throughout his years of service.
  A public servant most of his life, Channell has worked at the 
Municipal, County and State levels before serving in the Federal 
government as the Associate Commissioner of the Office of Head Start at 
the Department of Health and Human Services. His principled work has 
always been driven by his innate goal to improve the communities in 
which he served. His desire to serve has also been borne out in finding 
new and innovative ways to solve problems--bettering communities here 
across the state.
  While at O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Channell was also active in many 
organizations like Planned Parenthood of North, Central and Southern 
New Jersey and Jobs for America's Graduates New Jersey. Throughout all 
of his leadership positions he worked to foster an environment where 
public service is seen as a way to better one's community.
  As President and CEO, Channell provided direction to frontline staff 
that interfaced with the public on a daily basis and reflected the 
mission and nature of the organization throughout New Jersey. His 
leadership led to many programs that improved the lives of so many 
people living in Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties, including Head 
Start and Early Head Start, Home Energy, Affordable Housing, Housing 
Counseling, and Intensive Case Management Services programs--all of 
which are designed to assist low income people and families across the 
state.
  Channell embodies the spirit of service that makes me proud to 
represent people like him in New Jersey. We are lucky to have him as a 
member of our community and I wish him the best of luck as he endeavors 
on the next chapter of his life.

                          ____________________