[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING KATHLEEN GAGNE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 3, 2025

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible 
work of a lifelong leader in the Worcester community, Kathleen 
``Kathy'' M. Gagne, as she ends her tenure as the Executive Director of 
Mechanics Hall.
  Kathleen first arrived at Mechanics Hall in 1994 as the marketing 
communications and fundraising manager, eventually becoming Executive 
Director of the Hall in 2018. She has led Mechanics Hall's creative 
programming with recent initiatives including Many Voices: Mechanics 
Hall Youth Singers as well as a free choral program for 4th through 7th 
graders in Worcester, Massachusetts. She brought world-class 
performances to a wide range of audiences, fostering a love of the 
arts, and serving the rich diversity of cultures and communities in the 
region. During her tenure, the Hall commissioned three portraits of 
influential 19th century Black Americans and oversaw the installation 
of state-of-the-art lighting and sound upgrades in both performance 
halls.
  Not only has Kathleen been a fabulous Executive Director at Mechanics 
Hall, but she has also been an important part of our vibrant Worcester 
community. Kathleen is a board member of the Worcester Regional Chamber 
of Commerce, the WCIN radio community advisory board, and the American 
Antiquarian society. She is also a part of the Worcester Regional 
Research Bureau's Public Service Awards Committee and served as the 
board president for the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester.
  Beyond Worcester, Kathleen has been involved with so many initiatives 
to make not just her community, but the world a better place. She has 
been a freelance editor for clients that included the U.S. Geological 
Survey and the National Science Foundation. Kathleen has also served as 
the Director of the Vermont Institute for Teaching the Arts, doing 
writing workshops for middle schoolers and substitute teaching for 
secondary school students.
  Mr. Speaker, Kathleen is an extraordinary leader and member of our 
community. And on behalf of both the United States Congress and the 
people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am proud to honor her 
incredible achievements and extend to her our best wishes for her 
continued success.

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