[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                HONORING THE SERVICE OF MARIO RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 30, 2019

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and 
recognize Mario Rodriguez, Executive Director for the award-winning 
Indianapolis Airport Authority. The Indianapolis International Airport 
is in the congressional district that I represent, and I have 
wholeheartedly supported its innovation and growth under Mario's 
leadership.
  Mario Rodriguez has long been a dedicated aviation expert and 
community advocate, and has used his knowledge to serve not only the 
city of Indianapolis, but also the nation at large. For 30 years, he 
has held leadership positions in airports around the country, and, 
under his leadership, the Indianapolis International Airport has 
continued to receive recognition for its world class service. Mario has 
also championed a diverse workforce and to-date, more than 50 percent 
of senior leadership and 35 percent of professional staff at the 
Indianapolis Airport Authority are women and racial monitories. Mario's 
aviation expertise also led to his appointment in 2016 to the National 
Department of Transportation Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection 
by President Barack Obama.
  Mario is also well-known for his commitment to civic engagement. He 
is board member for many nonprofits in our community, including 
Immigrant Welcome Center, Indiana Latino Institute, Indy and Indiana 
Chambers, The Indiana Sports Corps, The Economic Club of Indiana, Visit 
Indy, and the 500 Festival. For this good work, he has received 
numerous awards acknowledging his efforts to strengthen Central Indiana 
and improve the lives of its residents.
  Mario Rodriguez is a leader and a trailblazer. Today, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating his contributions to our 
community, state and country.

                          ____________________