CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DON KOEHLER

On 2026-07-22, Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-8) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DON KOEHLER" in the House.

CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DON KOEHLER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 120 (Wednesday, July 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E728] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DON KOEHLER ______ HON. AUSTIN SCOTT of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 22, 2026 Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague Representative Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., to congratulate Don Koehler on his remarkable career and to extend our appreciation for his decades of dedicated service to Georgia's agriculture community. Since 1986, Don has served as Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission. Throughout his distinguished career, he has provided exceptional leadership to organizations including the Southern Peanut Growers, the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation the U.S. Peanut Federation, the American Peanut Council, and the American Peanut Shellers Association. As Chairman of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee, he has also helped shape U.S. agricultural trade policy by advising both the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Don's leadership has strengthened Georgia's peanut industry, expanded opportunities for producers, and elevated the voice of American agriculture at home and abroad. His lasting contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named one of Georgia Trend's 500 Most Influential Georgians for three consecutive years and his induction into the Georgia Peanut Commission Hall of Fame earlier this year. The mark that Don has left on this industry will not be forgotten. On behalf of Georgia's 8th and 2nd Congressional Districts, and a grateful agricultural community, we thank him for his remarkable service and wish him and Cheryl every happiness in retirement. May his next chapter be filled with good health, cherished time with his children and four grandchildren, and the many blessings he has so richly earned. ____________________