TRIBUTE TO JIM McCLESKEY

On 2026-05-11, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO JIM McCLESKEY" in the Senate.

TRIBUTE TO JIM McCLESKEY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 79 (Monday, May 11, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 79 (Monday, May 11, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S2197] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO JIM McCLESKEY Mr. TILLIS. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Jim McCleskey upon his retirement as director of the North Carolina Washington Office. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. McCleskey has served the people of North Carolina with exceptional dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service, leaving an immeasurable impact on our State and Nation. Jim McCleskey is a native North Carolinian who has built a career defined by professionalism, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to strengthening North Carolina's communities and economy. Over many years of service, he has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of countless citizens and advance opportunities for communities across our State. Throughout his career, Mr. McCleskey cultivated strong relationships across North Carolina and throughout Washington, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, community leaders, and constituents alike. His service has exemplified the highest standards of public service, and I am deeply grateful for the outstanding support and counsel he consistently provided to the staff in my offices on behalf of our State. In addition to leading the North Carolina Washington Office, Mr. McCleskey served with distinction as North Carolina's Alternate Representative to the Appalachian Regional Commission, serving under five Governors and across multiple Presidential administrations. Throughout his tenure, he worked in a bipartisan manner to strengthen the Appalachian Regional Commission as an effective Federal-State partnership dedicated to improving economic opportunity and quality of life throughout Appalachia. Among his 13 State peers, Mr. McCleskey is the longest serving alternate representative in the history of the Appalachian Regional Commission. Under his leadership and advocacy, the commission awarded more than $214 million in funding to support 722 projects across North Carolina improving infrastructure, workforce development, and business growth. He also coordinated the efforts of Appalachian Governors to advocate for robust Federal support for the commission and its mission. Mr. McCleskey's leadership helped the Appalachian Regional Commission respond to some of the region's most pressing challenges, including substance use disorder, economic transition, and long-term recovery efforts following major natural disasters such as Hurricane Helene. His steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge have left a lasting mark on both North Carolina and the Appalachian Region. I extend my sincere gratitude to Jim McCleskey for his extraordinary service to the people of North Carolina and the Nation. I wish him happiness, good health, and many rewarding days ahead--hopefully with a few fish on the end of his fly-fishing line. ____________________