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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SUSAN ``LEANNE'' POWELL
______
HON. RICHARD HUDSON
of north carolina
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy
of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell, a dear friend of more than 15 years. Leanne
was a passionate and fierce leader whose light reached across North
Carolina's Eighth Congressional District and brightened our great
nation. Leanne departed this life on July 20, 2019 at Carolinas Medical
Center in Charlotte. Exemplary of her devotion to others, Leanne
requested her organs be donated to her community and now three Notth
Carolinians will benefit from her continued generosity.
Leanne led a life of distinction and at age 12 started a career in
politics that would span more than three decades. As a young woman she
served as a campaign volunteer for the late Congressman Bill Hefner and
later joined his office staff. This experience foreshadowed the
extraordinary woman she was to become. Leanne went on to serve the
White House Women's Office under President Bill Clinton and Department
of Agriculture Undersecretary Jill Long Thompson. Following this time
in our nation's capital, she returned to North Carolina and founded a
successful campaign consulting firm before managing the campaign of
Congressman Larry Kissell. Leanne helped elect this history teacher-
turned-candidate to Congress in 2008 and served two terms as
Congressman Kissell's Chief of Staff, a tenure defined by ideological
purity and constituent service.
After deciding to leave politics in 2013, Leanne would tell
colleagues she wanted to ``make an honest living'' making whiskey.
Today, Southern Grace Distilleries stands as one of North Carolina's
premier distilleries and a testament of Leanne's hard work and
dedication. Reflective of Leanne's innumerable accomplishments and
devotion to public service, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper inducted
Leanne into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on July 17, 2019, the
highest civilian honor the governor can bestow. Throughout Leanne's
life she made service to others a priority.
My thoughts and prayers are with Leanne's husband, Drew Arrowood; her
mother, Judy M. McCord; her brother, Albett ``Chip'' Powell Jr.; and
all who loved her, including her beloved canine companion, Bleu. Renee
and I join our entire community as we grieve together during this
difficult time.
I know I speak for the entire community when I say Leanne lives on in
the hearts and minds of all who felt her kindness and generosity and I
will do everything in my power to honor her extraordinary life.
Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring the life and legacy
of Susan ``Leanne'' Powell.
____________________