RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF LINDA HEARN

On 2026-10-09, Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL-3) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF LINDA HEARN" in the House.

RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF LINDA HEARN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 159 (Friday, October 9, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1049] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF LINDA HEARN ______ HON. MIKE ROGERS of alabama in the house of representatives Friday, October 9, 2026 Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize and honor Linda Hearn. After 36 years of service, Linda will retire as Executive Director from the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center. Linda joined the Chamber in November of 1990 and has been responsible for management of the professional staff as well as oversight of all Chamber programs and operations. She is a graduate of the Chamber Institute for Organization Management, earning her IOM degree in 2000 and a graduate of the 1993 Leadership Calhoun County class. Linda earned state-level honors from the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) for her multi- decade service. Linda earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at the University of Arkansas and recently obtained her MBA from Jacksonville State University alongside her daughter, Becca. Linda is married to Dr. Mark Hearn, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Industry and professor in the Department of Management and Marketing at Jacksonville State University. They are blessed with two children, Braden and Rebecca. During her time at the Chamber, Linda led the team to receive the 5- Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, placing the organization in the top tier of chambers nationwide for sound policies, effective organizational management and impactful program execution. She championed formal corporate partnership agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State Community College to offer tuition scholarships and educational pathways, directly supporting local workforce development and regional economic growth. Linda also directed initiatives through the Chamber's Military Security Affairs Committee to support regional defense assets like the Anniston Army Depot, fostering strong ties between military leadership and local business communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary career of my friend, Linda Hearn. I thank Linda for her service to Calhoun County and the region. ____________________