[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MARY SELECKY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZAN K. DelBENE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2025

  Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, alongside my colleague Rep. 
Dan Newhouse, to honor the life and legacy of Washington's former 
Secretary of Health Mary Selecky, who we both had the honor of serving 
besides in former Governor Christine Gregoire's cabinet. For over four 
decades, Mary dedicated her life and career to improving public health 
across Washington. She began her career as the administrator for the 
Northeast Tri County Health District. In 1999, she was appointed as the 
Secretary of Health by Governor Gary Locke and continued in that role 
under Governors Gregoire and Jay Inslee until her retirement in 2013.
  During her tenure as Washington's Secretary of Health, Mary was 
instrumental in reducing smoking rates and increasing childhood 
vaccination coverage across the state. She was known for her commitment 
to preventive care and for strengthening the collaboration between 
state and local health agencies. In 2020, during the onset of the 
COVID-19 pandemic, the state drew on Mary's commitment to preparedness 
for a public health emergency. During our time in the cabinet with her, 
we valued her expertise, tenacity, and mentorship that she provided to 
all.
  Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mary was deeply connected to 
her community in Colville, Washington, where she resided for over 50 
years. Her dedication to both her local community and the broader 
public health landscape left a lasting impact on the state. Mr. 
Speaker, we ask our colleagues to join us in honoring Mary Selecky's 
life and contributions to public health, as well as Washington.

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