RECOGNIZING MR. GERARD J. GRIMALDI ON HIS RETIREMENT AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

RECOGNIZING MR. GERARD J. GRIMALDI ON HIS RETIREMENT AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E172-E173] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MR. GERARD J. GRIMALDI ON HIS RETIREMENT AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR A LIFETIME OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY ______ HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER of missouri in the house of representatives Thursday, February 27, 2025 Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to recognize a great Missourian, Mr. Gerard Joseph Grimaldi, for his exemplary personal and professional accomplishments as he begins his next chapter of life, enjoying retirement. An experienced leader, dedicated professional, and tireless advocate, Gerard serves as a prime example of a true public servant, and most importantly, a kind, caring, and genuine human being. A Kansas City, Missouri, native, Gerald was born on September 16, 1959, to loving parents, Mary Jane and Frank Grimaldi. Along with his five brothers and sisters, Gerard grew up in the Crestwood neighborhood and their family was active at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, just off Troost Avenue. His parents, with strong Catholic roots, instilled a deep sense of faith, public service, and commitment to others, particularly the underserved, in all of their children. Gerard would continue his Jesuit education at Rockhurst High School, before attending the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he would graduate with honors in 1980 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Following graduation, Gerard briefly enjoyed working as a reporter for the Kansas City Labor Beacon, before joining the staff of U.S. Senator Thomas F. Eagleton. As the Senator's staff assistant, Gerard handled constituent services, health care access, and economic development for the Western region of Missouri. Known for his dedication, responsiveness, and affable personality, Gerard was hired in 1985 to serve as the District Director for U.S. Representative Alan Wheat, one of my predecessors. In that role, Gerard led the District-based team, while working closely with the Washington, D.C. legislative staff and leading the office's media strategy. Gerard worked on several successful efforts, including a new U.S. Courthouse, Bruce Watkins Drive, and establishment of the Harry S. Truman National historic site. He would serve in that role for a decade, working on behalf of the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Following Representative Wheat's unsuccessful bid for the United States Senate in 1994, Gerard continued working for the newly elected U.S. Representative Karen McCarthy, to share his knowledge of the Fifth District and ensure a smooth transition, before joining Kaiser Permanente, a nonprofit health plan in 1995. During his six-year tenure at Kaiser, Gerard would ultimately be elevated to Vice President for Human Resources and Public Affairs. Through this experience, Gerald's knowledge of the local health care system continued to expand, and he was asked to serve on numerous civic organizations, including the Jackson County Mental Health Levy Board of Trustees, where he would serve as Board Chair for several years. Additionally, as I was serving as Mayor of Kansas City during this time, I had the pleasure of asking Gerard to serve on the Mayor's Race Relations Task Force and on the Board of Directors of the Mayor's Corps of Progress. For the past nearly 24 years, Gerard has worked at Truman Medical Centers (now called University Health), our area's safety net provider, helping to advance issues of health care access and health equity He has served as the Chief Health Policy and Government Relations Officer, where he serves in a leadership role to help educate and advocate for the hospital system, to ensure adequate local, state, and federal resources are available to meet their mission. While Gerard considers himself a lifelong learner, he has been instrumental in helping to educate others on the health care needs in our region, particularly for some of our most vulnerable populations. A comprehensive list of Gerard's accomplishments would be too lengthy, but just a few examples of his impact, include: securing post- 9/11 funding to modernize the hospital for bioterrorism and mass casualty incidents; leading multiple public election campaigns for property tax levy approval; securing approval of multiple bond issues for capital improvements on two hospital campuses; supporting the Hospital Hill property acquisition efforts and urban renewal attainment; securing numerous Affordable Care Act grants; securing the hospital's selection with MO HealthNet; working alongside dozens of stakeholders to secure Missouri Medicaid expansion; advocating for vital hospital support during the COVID-19 global pandemic; providing community leadership by ensuring outreach and vaccinations were available during the pandemic; securing multiple sources of public funding for a Center for Recovery and Wellness, a substance use disorder outpatient center that [[Page E173]] opened in October 2024; and numerous additional legislative accomplishments. In addition to some of the civic engagements already mentioned, Gerard has served on numerous other professional and civic boards and committees, including with the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Council, National Association of Public Hospitals, Labor Management Council, Missouri Hospital Association, American Hospital Association, Bannister Federal Complex Community Advisory Panel, Saint Thomas More Parish, and more recently, Gerard was honored for his service by being presented with the 2025 Mel and Jean Carnahan Public Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving the public. Former members of this esteemed body, including Representative Russ Carnahan and Representative Alan Wheat were among the many who attended the ceremony. Beyond his extraordinary career achievements, Gerard has always been a dedicated family man. He and his lovely wife, Julie, are celebrating nearly 32 years of marriage, and enjoy the company of their four children and respective families, Mary Kate Rohlfs (Brock), Caroline Riese (Ian), Matthew Grimaldi, and Gabrielle Grimaldi, as well as their grandchild, Penelope Rohlfs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to please join me and the people of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, in congratulating Mr. Gerard J. Grimaldi as he retires from a successful and impactful career, having served as a champion and ally for our underserved communities at the local, state, and national levels. Gerard's friendship, positivity, and his infectious and distinctive laugh will forever be cherished. His legacy will continue to impact residents and communities across Missouri and in our beloved Kansas City region, for generations to come. On behalf of my colleagues and a grateful Nation, we wish him a relaxing and enjoyable retirement, and thank him for his dedication and commitment to our community. ____________________