The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE SERVICE OF MS. LISBETH (LIZ) McBRIDE-CHAMBERS
______
HON. ZOE LOFGREN
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 28, 2021
Ms. LOFGREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank Ms. Lisbeth (Liz) McBride-Chambers for thirty years of dedicated and compassionate service as a member of the Office of Employee Assistance
(OEA) at the United States House of Representatives.
In an institution where Members are Constitutionally bound to serve terms in two-year increments, it is remarkable to note that Liz is only the second individual to serve as the OEA Director in the organization's thirty-year history.
Liz joined the OEA team in May 1991 when the office was in the early stages of development. She was one of the first OEA employees hired by the beloved first Director, Bern Seidel. Through love, passion, and commitment to their profession, Bern and Liz skillfully developed the OEA into a preeminent employee assistance program.
After Bern's passing in February 2017, Liz was promoted to serve as the Director of our OEA team. Through her skillful guidance and direction, Liz's office delivers comprehensive confidential services covering an array of personal and work-related issues to positively impact employee performance, productivity, and well-being.
The OEA team also facilitates staff retreats for Member offices and conducts seminars on a variety of topics, including employee well-
being, understanding stress and trauma, enhancing communication skills, and managing career transitions.
In 2018, the OEA's scope expanded when Liz was entrusted to launch the House Wellness Center. Through her tireless efforts and close partnership with key stakeholders, the House community now has a comprehensive wellness program that provides assistance, information, and training on all aspects of well-being.
While each of the OEA's program areas are important to the office's overall success, none can surpass the impact that Liz and her team have had in response to critical incidents involving the House community. Whether it was the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the tragic Congressional baseball shooting on June 14, 2017, the horrific siege on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, or any other critical incident, Liz's commitment and care provided comfort to those experiencing profound grief and distress. In addition to her outstanding contributions to the House community, Liz's impact has inspired countless waves of professionals in the field of employee assistance, As a member of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) for well over thirty years, Liz regularly attends and contributes to the organization's world conference, which includes serving as a chair and member of the annual conference program planning committee.
Liz also served as Commissioner and Chair of the Employee Assistance Certification Commission. In this role, she established, maintained, and oversaw the development and stewardship of the Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) examination and credentialing processes.
After completing her tenure in these vital roles, Liz continued serving as a volunteer trainer for EAPA's CEAP Exam Preparation Course. While it would be impossible to count all the lives Liz influenced and touched during this process, it goes without saying that her impact stretches beyond the counselors she helped through these endeavors.
Every counselor who passed the rigorous credentialing and examination process with Liz's guidance and tutelage was granted the greatest gift of all; her knowledge and insights, which they in turn could pass along to the employees, organizations, and communities they serve across the globe.
Based on these outstanding contributions, it should come as no surprise that Liz has been recognized by her peers both inside and outside of the House community. In 2007, Liz was the recipient of the CAO's Achieving Excellence Award. She was recognized as the EAPA Member of the Year in 2015. One year later, Liz received the Employee Excellence Award from the House Officers and Inspector General. Finally, in 2020, Liz had the high honor of receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Congressional Management Foundation.
Madam Speaker, I am honored to join those who have recognized Liz for her outstanding contributions and overall impact to the House of Representatives and to the greater employee assistance community. I also want to acknowledge Liz's entire team: Tiara Anderson, Breanna Becker, Daniel Coleman, Briana Cragwell, Georgeanna Goldstein, Margot Hawkins-Green, Rhonda Kaalund, Malia Klee, Jon Murphy, Paul Tewksbury, Emily Swartz, and Brian Weiss. This is a very special group of employees and they are all commended for their commitment, dedication, and professionalism.
Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and thank Liz McBride for her unparalleled service to this great institution.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 17
The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
House Representatives' salaries are historically higher than the median US income.
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