[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E172-E173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING MR. GERARD J. GRIMALDI ON HIS RETIREMENT AND EXPRESSING 
   APPRECIATION FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2025

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a deep sense of gratitude 
for the opportunity to recognize a great Missourian, Mr. Gerard Joseph 
Grimaldi, for his exemplary personal and professional accomplishments 
as he begins his next chapter of life, enjoying retirement. An 
experienced leader, dedicated professional, and tireless advocate, 
Gerard serves as a prime example of a true public servant, and most 
importantly, a kind, caring, and genuine human being.
  A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Gerald was born on September 16, 
1959, to loving parents, Mary Jane and Frank Grimaldi. Along with his 
five brothers and sisters, Gerard grew up in the Crestwood neighborhood 
and their family was active at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, just 
off Troost Avenue. His parents, with strong Catholic roots, instilled a 
deep sense of faith, public service, and commitment to others, 
particularly the underserved, in all of their children.
  Gerard would continue his Jesuit education at Rockhurst High School, 
before attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he would 
graduate with honors in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. 
Following graduation, Gerard briefly enjoyed working as a reporter for 
the Kansas City Labor Beacon, before joining the staff of U.S. Senator 
Thomas F. Eagleton. As the Senator's staff assistant, Gerard handled 
constituent services, health care access, and economic development for 
the Western region of Missouri.
  Known for his dedication, responsiveness, and affable personality, 
Gerard was hired in 1985 to serve as the District Director for U.S. 
Representative Alan Wheat, one of my predecessors. In that role, Gerard 
led the District-based team, while working closely with the Washington, 
D.C. legislative staff and leading the office's media strategy. Gerard 
worked on several successful efforts, including a new U.S. Courthouse, 
Bruce Watkins Drive, and establishment of the Harry S. Truman National 
historic site. He would serve in that role for a decade, working on 
behalf of the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.
  Following Representative Wheat's unsuccessful bid for the United 
States Senate in 1994, Gerard continued working for the newly elected 
U.S. Representative Karen McCarthy, to share his knowledge of the Fifth 
District and ensure a smooth transition, before joining Kaiser 
Permanente, a nonprofit health plan in 1995. During his six-year tenure 
at Kaiser, Gerard would ultimately be elevated to Vice President for 
Human Resources and Public Affairs. Through this experience, Gerald's 
knowledge of the local health care system continued to expand, and he 
was asked to serve on numerous civic organizations, including the 
Jackson County Mental Health Levy Board of Trustees, where he would 
serve as Board Chair for several years. Additionally, as I was serving 
as Mayor of Kansas City during this time, I had the pleasure of asking 
Gerard to serve on the Mayor's Race Relations Task Force and on the 
Board of Directors of the Mayor's Corps of Progress.
  For the past nearly 24 years, Gerard has worked at Truman Medical 
Centers (now called University Health), our area's safety net provider, 
helping to advance issues of health care access and health equity He 
has served as the Chief Health Policy and Government Relations Officer, 
where he serves in a leadership role to help educate and advocate for 
the hospital system, to ensure adequate local, state, and federal 
resources are available to meet their mission. While Gerard considers 
himself a lifelong learner, he has been instrumental in helping to 
educate others on the health care needs in our region, particularly for 
some of our most vulnerable populations.
  A comprehensive list of Gerard's accomplishments would be too 
lengthy, but just a few examples of his impact, include: securing post-
9/11 funding to modernize the hospital for bioterrorism and mass 
casualty incidents; leading multiple public election campaigns for 
property tax levy approval; securing approval of multiple bond issues 
for capital improvements on two hospital campuses; supporting the 
Hospital Hill property acquisition efforts and urban renewal 
attainment; securing numerous Affordable Care Act grants; securing the 
hospital's selection with MO HealthNet; working alongside dozens of 
stakeholders to secure Missouri Medicaid expansion; advocating for 
vital hospital support during the COVID-19 global pandemic; providing 
community leadership by ensuring outreach and vaccinations were 
available during the pandemic; securing multiple sources of public 
funding for a Center for Recovery and Wellness, a substance use 
disorder outpatient center that

[[Page E173]]

opened in October 2024; and numerous additional legislative 
accomplishments.
  In addition to some of the civic engagements already mentioned, 
Gerard has served on numerous other professional and civic boards and 
committees, including with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 
Downtown Council, National Association of Public Hospitals, Labor 
Management Council, Missouri Hospital Association, American Hospital 
Association, Bannister Federal Complex Community Advisory Panel, Saint 
Thomas More Parish, and more recently, Gerard was honored for his 
service by being presented with the 2025 Mel and Jean Carnahan Public 
Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their 
lives to serving the public. Former members of this esteemed body, 
including Representative Russ Carnahan and Representative Alan Wheat 
were among the many who attended the ceremony.
  Beyond his extraordinary career achievements, Gerard has always been 
a dedicated family man. He and his lovely wife, Julie, are celebrating 
nearly 32 years of marriage, and enjoy the company of their four 
children and respective families, Mary Kate Rohlfs (Brock), Caroline 
Riese (Ian), Matthew Grimaldi, and Gabrielle Grimaldi, as well as their 
grandchild, Penelope Rohlfs.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me and the people of 
Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, in congratulating Mr. Gerard 
J. Grimaldi as he retires from a successful and impactful career, 
having served as a champion and ally for our underserved communities at 
the local, state, and national levels. Gerard's friendship, positivity, 
and his infectious and distinctive laugh will forever be cherished. His 
legacy will continue to impact residents and communities across 
Missouri and in our beloved Kansas City region, for generations to 
come. On behalf of my colleagues and a grateful Nation, we wish him a 
relaxing and enjoyable retirement, and thank him for his dedication and 
commitment to our community.

                          ____________________