Vivian Tessieri

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Vivian Tessieri

TRIBUTE TO VIVIAN TESSIERI ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT FROM THE

U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE

______

HON. BART GORDON

of tennessee

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the Democratic Members and staff of the House Science Committee to recognize a long- time member of the Committee staff--Vivian Tessieri.

Vivian will be leaving the Science Committee early next month after nearly 30 years of devoted service. She is one of the longest serving staff members in the history of the Committee and she will be greatly missed.

Vivian was hired by the Committee on Science in 1977, shortly after legislation passed to significantly expand committee staffs. At that time, the Science Committee had 7 subcommittees and the minority staff (then Republican) grew from 4 to its present size.

I'm told that the rapidly growing staff needed someone to bring order to the chaos, and Vivian--then a young staff assistant with a number of years experience at the General Accounting Office--fit the bill.

Vivian's job has not been easy. Her first assignment was on an extremely busy subcommittee. Vivian jumped right in and brought unprecedented discipline to the operation.

Staff who worked with her assured me that Vivian's years on the Energy Subcommittee were some of its most productive--laying the foundation of energy policy still adhered to today. Vivian excelled at her job and was quickly promoted. When the Full Committee's legislative clerk retired in the early 1980s, Vivian was the obvious choice for that position.

She brought her enthusiasm for organization, common sense to ask questions, and savvy communications ability to the position and it has never been the same.

Generations of members and staff assume that Committee events automatically run smoothly and flawlessly, but the fact is that Vivian has been the force behind the Committee's administrative success.

Even in the midst of her daily workload--endless archiving, copying and maintenance of Committee records--Vivian has always found time to take a personal interest in staff members' legislative issues and keep them informed of related topics moving forward outside of the Science Committee's jurisdiction. She has a keen eye and depth of historical Committee knowledge that is unparalleled.

Only one other Committee employee has worked for the Republicans, then the Democrats, then the Republicans once again. This is a testament to Vivian's unparalleled professionalism and devotion to her job.

Those who have worked alongside Vivian through the years say that to describe Vivian is to combine a high level of competence with an unfailingly helpful, professional and friendly manner. She has been a delight to work with, always dependable and conscientious in her work, while maintaining her serenity and good cheer under pressure.

Vivian loves this institution. Her commitment to her work is a testament to her genuine desire to see members, Committees and staffs succeed for the constituents they serve.

People like Vivian do not come along very often and many times we don't realize their true value until they have gone. Regrettably that time has come. Vivian, we wish you nothing but success and happiness as you take your immense talents to the private sector.