[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14828]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 14828]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

                   PAYING TRIBUTE TO RICHARD GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Richard Gonzalez, who has served as the Denver Regional 
Commissioner of the Social Security Administration since June 1998. 
Richard Gonzalez's innovative thinking and leadership was pivotal in 
guiding the Denver Region in improving Social Security services for the 
American Indians and Alaskan Natives. His retirement marks over thirty-
seven years of Federal service and it is my honor to bring forth his 
accomplishments before this body of Congress and this nation.
  Richard Gonzalez began his career with the Social Security 
Administration as a Computer Programmer in the Bureau of Data 
Processing in headquarters after serving in the United States Air 
Force. Prior to coming to Denver, he served as Associate Commissioner 
for Systems Requirements at SSA headquarters in Baltimore, MD. Richard 
also held a number of senior level information systems positions with 
the Social Security Administration and was appointed to the Senior 
Executive Service in 1994. Under Richard's leadership, Denver led 
national efforts to improve service delivery to rural communities by 
piloting outreach efforts in Northern New Mexico and Browning, Montana 
and partnering with the Chicago Region on a major outreach effort for 
three reservations in Minnesota.
  Richard Gonzalez was recognized for his outstanding service to the 
public and the Denver Region when he was awarded a prestigious 
Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive Award. He serves as the 
Vice Chairperson on the Denver Federal Executive Board Committee. 
Richard received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Towson State 
University and Master of Science Degree from John Hopkins University. 
He has received numerous citations and awards for his outstanding 
efforts as Commissioner. His many contributions are appreciated, and 
his countless hours of devotion have greatly improved the community of 
Denver and its surrounding areas. Richard is a devoted father and 
husband, and he cherishes the support and encouragement his family has 
provided throughout his career. He is married to Dr. Sylvia Simpson, 
and has two sons, Dan and Mathew.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great privilege that I recognize Richard 
Gonzalez and his contributions to the City of Denver and this nation. 
His efforts have greatly helped many people throughout our country and 
I am proud to recognize him before this body of Congress today. 
Congratulations on your retirement, Richard, and good luck in your 
future endeavors.

                          ____________________