Karen Browning, Former JoCo Ass't Election Commissioner
A reception was held today to honor Karen Browning, who retired as Assistant Johnson County Election Commissioner after more than 40 years of service with the Johnson County Election Office.
Browning said she had a sense of the importance of voting long before she joined the Election Office staff.
“My folks always talked about voting and how important it was,” she said. “I started when I was young. Voting was already an important part of my life.”
She proved herself an important part of the operations at the Election Office over the years.
Brian Newby, JoCo Election Commissioner, describes Browning as a “walking encyclopedia” and the “office historian” because she has complete records on every election since she has been with the county.
Framed letters to Browning from many elected officials were presented to her today thanking her for her many years of service:
Brian Newby (left), Secretary Thornburgh and Karen Browning (right); Letters presented to Browning along wall
Gov. Mark Parkinson’s letter was a Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Service:
“…for 40 years of service to the State of Kansas. … she has been committed to maintaining and improving the election process.”
Congressman Dennis Moore sent a letter to be read and a member of his staff to make additional comments about Browning’s service:
“Congratulations on your retirement from the Johnson County Election Office after 40 years of faithful service. …
The citizens of Johnson County have benefited from the many years of devoted and diligent service …”
Cynthia Wendt from Congressman Moore’s office added that Moore entered these remarks in the Congressional Record about Karen:
TRIBUTE TO JOHNSON COUNTY ASSISTANT
ELECTION COMMISSIONER KAREN BROWNINGHON. DENNIS MOORE OF KANSAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, June 9, 2009Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I
am pleased to have this opportunity to pay
Karen Browning, who recently stepped down
after 41 years of service with the Johnson
County, Kansas, Election Office, including 27
years as Assistant Election Commissioner.Dedicated, experienced public servants like
Karen Browning are the glue that holds government
together at all levels, but they often
do not receive the respect and consideration
that they deserve. Karen Browning’s retirement
took from her office 41 years of deep devotion
to her community and an intricate
knowledge of the rules and history of Johnson
County elections-a background that the citizens
of Johnson County will find to be irreplaceable.
I am pleased to have this opportunity
to share with the other members of the
House of Representatives a brief profile of
Karen Browning which recently was published
in the Johnson County Sun. I know that all
Johnson Countians join with me in wishing
Karen Browning all the best as she embarks
upon her much deserved retirement, and we
also thank her for her years of dedicated service
and work to ensure that Johnson County
elections have been conducted in a manner
above reproach.
Senator Sam Brownback’s letter:
“… Your character, dedication, and consummate knowledge of Johnson County elections, registration, and law, have earned the respect and admiration of Johnson County residents …”
Senator Pat Robert’s letter:
“… Your leadership and commitment to the voting process have played a vital role … “
In addition to the letters read by members of the election office staff, several additional awards and comments were made in person:
Diane Costello, Leadership Olathe, presented that group’s Service Leadership Award:
“No one else in this community or has gone through Leadership Olathe — that’s over 700 people — really qualifies for this award as much as you do, Karen.”
Annabeth Surbaugh, Chair of Johnson County Board of Commissioners, made these comments:
“Karen has been Johnson County’s First Lady of Democracy for 40 years.”
Karen “worked in more than 200 Johnson County elections, including 11 presidential elections, 8 Kansas governor elections …”
Words that describe Karen: “… tenacious, gracious, accurate …, organized, efficient, fabulous memory …”
Brian Newby, Johnson County Elections Commissioner:
“Karen is a leader. Karen was a leader in our office.”
“I’ve often thought that Karen’s service has been so great that we should name a building after her. … not this building. Twenty years from now when we build a new elections office, that is something that should be considered.”
Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh presented NASS Medallion Award to Karen Browning
Ron Thornburgh, Kansas Secretary of State, presented Karen with the “Medallion Award” from the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).
Secretary Thornburgh explained that only a handful of people in our country will receive this award in 2009.
Newby commented about the NASS Medallion Award was “the ‘Oscar’ of elections; fittingly a lifetime achievement award.”
Karen’s comments about her retirement:
“My time at the Election Office was an incredible experience – full of hard work, passion for elections and democracy,” she said. “It has been a great career that I have always enjoyed, but it’s time for a new chapter in my life and to take it easy.”
Many coworkers, other government workers, friends and family members attended today’s reception to thank Browning.
Friends and coworkers say farewell to Karen Browning
I’d like to personally thank Karen for all her patience, and answers to all my questions over nearly the last ten years. Karen was always very helpful.
Related:
- Election official retires after serving 40 years, Sun Publications, May 27, 2009.
- Karen Browning Announces Retirement as Assistant Election Commissioner, Press Release, May 18, 2009.
Tags: Brian Newby, Johnson County Election Office, Karen Browning, Ron Thornburgh
