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[Page S5509]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO DAVID ABNEY
Mr. PERDUE. Mr. President, one of America's founding
principles is the belief that anyone of any background can achieve
anything with hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. This
belief is the very foundation of the American dream.
Mr. David Abney, who is retiring after over 40 years at Georgia's own
UPS, is the epitome of the American dream.
David grew up in the Mississippi Delta, which is one of the most
economically challenged areas in the country. Yet David didn't let his
circumstances determine his fate. From an early age, David worked odd
jobs to help support his family while making sure he kept his grades up
at school. This dedication paid off when he got into Delta State
University on scholarship, where he met his future wife, Sherry.
At the age of 19, while working as a package loader at UPS to pay for
his education, a manager recognized David's talent and work ethic and
encouraged him to join the company full time. Although he didn't
realize it at the time, this encouragement transformed David's life. It
was then that David became, as they say, ``brown-blooded,'' devoting
his career to UPS.
Although he had found his professional home, the road ahead wasn't
always easy. The work could be grueling. He moved around a lot. He
often put in difficult hours. However, just as he had diligently worked
his way into college, David worked his way up the ladder.
What has always made David an exceptional leader is his devotion to
the people who work for him. Having done the work himself, David
understood the needs and challenges of his employees, and he always put
their needs over his own. In one case, when the center he managed
experienced difficult times, David laid himself off so that his
employees could keep their jobs.
This selfless, employee-oriented leadership style eventually
propelled David to the highest levels of leadership at UPS. He became
COO in 2007, CEO in 2014, chairman of the board in 2016.
Under David's leadership, UPS has grown into one of the most
exceptional logistics companies in the world. He guided UPS through
major changes, adapting to the new needs of the digital world. He
focused on strengthening the company's diversity and inclusion
practices, so that anyone, of any background, would always find a home
at UPS just as he had.
Today, UPS supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and helps our
economy grow and thrive every day.
The values of hard work, optimism, and service to others that have
guided David's life are infused into the company that he has led. For
example, during the COVID-19 crisis, UPS helped manage logistics to
deliver critical aid to those who needed it. UPS workers put their own
health and safety at risk to serve their communities.
David's devotion to serving others extends beyond UPS. He has helped
support local businesses as the chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber
of Commerce. He served on the board of Catalyst, which works to bring
women, particularly women of color, into senior leadership positions.
He frequently supports his alma mater, so that the next generation of
bright young students can find success no matter where they come from.
As David Abney prepares to retire from UPS this year, he will be
leaving an incredible legacy of excellence, growth, and selfless
service. He has made UPS, the State of Georgia, and the entire country
a better place.
It is my pleasure to wish David, his wife Sherry, and their entire
family the very best.
____________________
