TRIBUTE TO JOHN KISSINGER

On 2026-04-13, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO JOHN KISSINGER" in the Senate. The speech addressed the environment. It referenced legislation including S1708, S1709, S25.

TRIBUTE TO JOHN KISSINGER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S1708-S1709] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO JOHN KISSINGER Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor John Kissinger, president and CEO of GRAEF, on his retirement. For more than 25 years, Mr. Kissinger has been a tireless advocate for his community, supporting cultural and entertainment institutions through workforce development initiatives. This tireless work has directly resulted in the construction, renovation, and revitalization of numerous well-known buildings and cultural hubs across Wisconsin. Mr. Kissinger earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1979 and his master of science in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. In 1984, he joined GRAEF as a structural engineer in the firm's Milwaukee office. Since joining GRAEF, he steadily advanced within in the company, serving in roles including vice president, regional manager, and chief operating officer. In January 2012, he was named president and CEO. Among his notable projects at GRAEF, Mr. Kissinger served as the [[Page S1709]] engineering project manager for the instantly iconic Milwaukee Art Museum Quadracci Pavillion, featuring a soaring structure designed by Santiago Calatrava. He also contributed to projects including the renovation and expansion of Green Bay's historic Lambeau Field, home to our beloved Packers, and the Wisconsin Center in downtown Milwaukee, as well as the Milwaukee Public Museum's IMAX Theater. These projects and many others have given him a unique understanding of the intersection between the design and contours of a city, the needs of its residents, and the delicate balance between the two. Beyond this work, Mr. Kissinger is an active presence in the Milwaukee community. He currently serves as chairman of the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board, and in 2010, he was appointed by then- Milwaukee mayor Tom Barrett to lead the agency. He also has a longstanding interest in supporting programs for youth employment, serving as the cochair of the city of Milwaukee's Earn and Learn Youth Employment Program, in addition to volunteering with the organization. Mr. Kissinger was recently appointed to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce's Cultural and Entertainment Capital Needs Task Force to help identify funding options to preserve key local facilities in Milwaukee, including the BMO Harris Bradley Center, the previous home of our Milwaukee Bucks. Mr. Kissinger's 25 years at GRAEF, as well as his many community service initiatives, have created a lasting impact on not only the Milwaukee community, but also on the greater Wisconsin community. I am pleased to join others in recognizing John Kissinger's success and contributions to the people of our State and our Nation. I wish him all the best in his retirement. ____________________