[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 209 (Thursday, December 11, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER GEORGE COPADIS

  Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize George Copadis 
for his decades of public service and advocacy for Granite Staters. 
George has been a giant in New Hampshire's State government for an 
impressive 21 years, and he has been a magnetic local leader in the 
city of Manchester for even longer. He leaves a legacy of steady 
management, consensus-building, and genuine care for his neighbors and 
constituents.
  George has firm roots in New Hampshire. He was born and raised in 
Manchester, attended college at the University of New Hampshire, and 
remains a lifelong resident of the Granite State. In 2004, George 
stepped away from a successful career to accept an appointment as the 
commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Labor by Governor Craig 
Benson. He oversaw a State agency that ensured compliance with New 
Hampshire's labor laws and encouraged workplaces to respect the dignity 
and interests of their employees. George served in this position for 8 
years under two Governors of two different political parties.
  In July of 2012, George became the interim commissioner of New 
Hampshire Employment Security. Governor John Lynch remarked that 
George's dependable leadership would bring ``a calming effect,'' and 
his initial 6-month appointment has blossomed into 13 years as 
commissioner of an important State agency for job-seekers and 
employers. Individuals seeking unemployment compensation, career-
related services, and labor market information look to New Hampshire 
Employment Security, often in times of great need. George and his team 
work diligently and swiftly to connect these people to helpful 
resources.
  As commissioner of New Hampshire Employment Security, George served 
under four Governors from both political parties. His tenure is marked 
by stability and fulfillment of the agency's critical mission, yet it 
was not without its challenges. George describes the COVID-19 pandemic 
as the most demanding stretch of his career. Working 7 days a week 
around the clock, George and his team managed the awarding of 
unemployment benefits that--at the height of the public health 
emergency--exceeded $2 billion to 175,000 individuals. Their efforts 
provided hope in a time of great uncertainty for many Granite State 
families.
  In addition to his service in State government, George is well known 
throughout New Hampshire for his involvement with several nonprofits 
and local groups. He has given his time as a board member of the 
Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 33 years, and he has 
also volunteered for many United Way Charitable Campaigns. Most 
notably, George is famous for his connection to St. George Greek 
Orthodox Cathedral in his hometown of Manchester. He has served on its 
board for 39 years and can always be found at its community events, 
especially the church's popular annual GLENDI Festival. Ever proud of 
his Greek heritage, George has a reputation for bringing baklava to big 
meetings and gatherings.
  I have known George for decades. As a policymaker, I have always 
welcomed his perspective and advice on ways we can strengthen New 
Hampshire's economy and provide employers with the workforce they need 
to grow and thrive. But more importantly, I am proud to call him a 
friend.
  George's decades of public service and community involvement were 
celebrated this past month, and friends, family, and colleagues have 
joined together to reflect on his many achievements. Having spent most 
of his life as a local leader in his beloved hometown, George will 
undoubtedly continue to serve his friends and neighbors with care and 
compassion in meaningful ways. I join them in spirit for this 
celebration of George, and I once again thank him for all he has done 
for our Granite State.

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