[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H650-H651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING KENNY McMORRIS
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) for 5 minutes.
Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today as we celebrate Black History
Month and honor the incredible achievements of Kenny McMorris, a
visionary leader, champion for community well-being, and constituent in
our Second District of our great State of Nebraska.
Mr. McMorris is a veteran healthcare executive, innovator,
influencer, and strategist with an extensive leadership, policy,
community, and public health background. His wife, Makayla, is the
founder and owner of Moxie16. They are the proud parents of two
children, Kenny Jr. and Makenli.
As the CEO of Charles Drew Health Center, Inc., Kenny oversees the
health center's business, community, and primary care operations. The
center has a $24 million operating budget, over 200 employees, 13,000
patients, and nearly 40,000 outpatient service visits annually.
Under his leadership, Charles Drew Health Center has expanded its
service locations from 4 to 16, including primary medical, dental,
pharmacy, and behavioral health services. It emphasizes the
disenfranchised and addresses the social drivers of health.
Over the course of his decade-long career at CDHC, Kenny has
contributed to transforming healthcare delivery and equity through his
innovative strategies and disciplined commitment to serving
disenfranchised communities.
As a North Omaha native, Kenny attended the University of Nebraska
Omaha, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration and
management in 2002. In 2004, he earned an MPA in public management and
healthcare administration.
After his education, he brought his expertise to the Omaha community
as the first executive director of the 100 Black Men of Omaha and
director of marketing and development for the Urban League of Nebraska.
Kenny has shown himself to be active in both the professional and
larger communities. In his advocating career, Kenny is board-certified
in healthcare management and a fellow of the American College of
Healthcare Executives and Community Health Centers Executives Fellow.
He holds memberships with the National Medical Association, the
National Association of Health Services Executives, the American Public
Health Association, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
These demonstrations showcase his engagement in advancing
professional standards, networking, and mentoring. Furthermore, Kenny
McMorris also
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serves on the boards of directors of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce,
Nebraska Methodist College, RADIUS, Health Center Association of
Nebraska, Heartland Community Health Network, BRIDGE Family Resource
Connector Network, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human
Services Medicaid Advisory Committee.
It is crystal clear that Kenny is not just a professional of the
highest caliber but a great community leader who exemplifies public
service, vision, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in
our communities.
Kenny's accomplishments include the University of Nebraska Omaha
Young Alumni Achievement Award; University of Nebraska Omaha College of
Public Affairs and Community Service Alumni Award of Excellence;
National Association of Community Health Centers' Betsey K. Cooke
Grassroots MVP Award; Urban League of Nebraska African American
Leadership Award; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Mid-Western
Region Award for Excellence in Health and Wellness; and University of
Nebraska Medical Center/Nebraska Medicine Servant Leader Award. He has
done it all.
The accolades Kenny received reflect his excellence through investing
in public health, uplifting community development, and demonstrating to
inspire innovative change in every role he has played while being a
great husband and father, which I also admire.
Through dedication and perseverance in tackling healthcare inequities
or inequalities, Kenny has encompassed a meaningful vision for
disenfranchised populations. His role has laid a foundation for
healthier, more equitable communities.
Kenny McMorris' contributions in Omaha exemplify nothing short of the
values of Black History Month, which celebrates resilience, leadership,
and a commitment to advancing public health and opportunity for all.
Omaha is a better place because of Kenny McMorris. His impact has
been positively felt by thousands upon thousands.
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