[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E111-E112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING SHIRLEY ANN ELLIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2025

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
extraordinary service of Shirley Ann Ellis. Shirley has worked as part 
of my staff for over 30 years, spending 12 of those years as my Chief 
of Staff in the Wisconsin State Senate. She has also served as my 
District Director and Senior Advisor for over 20 years throughout my 
time in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is with sadness, but also 
great pride, that I announce her retirement today, and it is an honor 
to recognize her incredible commitment to public service, our Nation, 
and the people of the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin.
  Shirley's remarkable journey began in Waukegan, Illinois, when she 
was born to parents Ruby Snowden Ellis and Lepolis Ellis. She grew up 
in my district alongside her sister, Betty Ross, and attended Milwaukee 
Public Schools starting at the age of four. She graduated from Rufus 
King High School at just sixteen. Shirley continued her education at 
Gustavus Adolphus College, earning a bachelor's degree in zoology with 
a minor in chemistry. At 22 years old, she went on to earn a master's 
degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in library science. 
After completing her education, Shirley worked for the State of 
Wisconsin for 25 years, 11 of those years she served as the State Long 
Term Care Ombudsman, where she oversaw investigations into complaints 
of mistreatment of elderly and disabled individuals in nursing homes 
and community-based residential facilities. As an unwavering advocate 
for the most vulnerable members of society, she worked tirelessly to 
ensure their voices were heard and their injustices were addressed. Her 
work in this field, combined with her education, laid the foundation 
for a career defined by exceptional leadership and advocacy in 
healthcare, justice, labor, and women's issues. Throughout her career, 
Shirley has been driven by a commitment to reform and progress, 
ensuring a more prosperous, equitable, and inclusive Nation for all.
  In 1993, Shirley's journey in public service took a pivotal turn when 
she became my Chief of Staff during my tenure in the Wisconsin State 
Senate. Over the next 12 years, she played an essential role in 
advancing civil and women's rights, expanding welfare, investing in 
education, and reforming the criminal justice system. Her leadership 
during this time was invaluable, and she became an indispensable part 
of my team.
  With my election to this chamber in 2004, Shirley continued her work 
as my Senior Advisor and District Director. Simply put, without her 
extraordinary management and leadership, I would not be standing where 
I am today. The legislation and policies that have transformed the 
lives of my constituents and this country would not have come to 
fruition without Shirley's dedication and service. As District Director 
for the Fourth Congressional District of Wisconsin, she ensured that 
every community, group, and individual had their concerns heard, 
uplifted, and addressed. She continues to serve as a bright example of 
how governance can transform lives and inspire progress.
  At the heart of Shirley's service was her deep love for community and 
family. She was married to Gabriel Lee Shaw, Jr., for 42 years. Known 
to me as my brother-in-love, Gabe was Shirley's steadfast foundation 
and source of strength. Even beyond his passing in December of 2023, he 
remains a guiding light and inspiration for her advocacy. Those of us 
who know Shirley recognize that her compassion, trust, integrity, 
intelligence, and loyalty have been shaped by a love that transcends 
time.
  Shirley's dedication to public service is unparalleled. She has spent 
her career advocating for the most vulnerable people in our country, 
giving a voice to those who would otherwise remain unheard in this 
chamber. There was never a moment when she wasn't deeply in tune with 
the needs of the people she served. The progress we have witnessed 
across my district, the City of Milwaukee, and our Nation is a 
testament to her tireless efforts. While the impact of her work cannot 
be measured in numbers, it is felt in the countless lives she has 
touched and transformed. We will continue to see her legacy in the 
future leaders of this country, many of whom regard her as a mentor, 
role model, and a shining example of what it means to lead with 
integrity, empathy, and empowerment. Shirley has received many praises 
for her vast knowledge of political and community networks. In 2020, 
she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the DPMC and was 
selected as a Senior Advisor for the 2020 DNC Host Committee and by the 
Biden for President campaign as Strategic Advisor for the State of 
Wisconsin. This was a result of Shirley's unmatched management skills 
and experience in the political field.
  Having worked alongside Shirley for 33 years, I will deeply miss her 
leadership and the way she brought my staff and constituents together. 
However, as her close friend, I am ecstatic to see what blessings this 
new chapter of life holds for her. Though she may no longer serve as my 
District Director, I know her spirit of service will remain unyielding. 
Shirley will continue to put others first, championing causes close to 
her heart and advocating for those around her. She has led her life 
with service first, and I am confident when

[[Page E112]]

I say that her graciousness, bravery, and compassion will never leave 
her spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, for all these reasons, it is with tremendous pride that 
I recognize the remarkable service of Shirley Ann Ellis today. She has 
changed the lives of so many, including my own constituents. On behalf 
of the people of the Fourth Congressional District, the State of 
Wisconsin, and the United States, I thank Shirley Ann Ellis for her 45 
years of stunning service, powerful leadership, and loyal dedication to 
the public good.

                          ____________________