Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the Big Brothers Big Sisters national headquarters in my district, Tampa, Florida. Big Brothers Big Sisters is lead by the former two-term mayor, Pam Iorio who is beloved in Tampa, and we are proud of her and Big Brother Big Sisters across America. Today in that spirit, I rise to honor the accomplishments of a true advocate for children everywhere, Mr. Rudy Baldoni. His tireless work for Big Brothers Big Sisters has impacted the lives of countless youths. I am grateful to recognize the incredible work he has put into the nation’s oldest and most effective mentoring organization. 
                                                                                                                         
Mr. Baldoni, as the two-year National Board Chairman of Big Brothers Big Sisters, has been instrumental in creating meaningful and positive change within this incredible organization and for young people who need a supportive mentor. Today, he continues to dedicate his time and energy to this important cause - leading the board in a time of progress and change.

Mr. Baldoni was born and grew up in California, eventually attending the University of Southern California. He earned his J.D. from Western State’s College of Law and attended UC Irvine in 1989 to earn another degree in Commercial and Industrial Development and Management. Following his education, Mr. Baldoni worked in real estate development as President of Arnel Development Company until 2007 and became President and CEO of Newport Investment Associates in 2008, where he continued to manage growth and venture capital investments. 

Mr. Baldoni got his start with Big Brothers Big Sisters after volunteering to host a dinner for the Orange County, California affiliate. In the fine tradition of volunteer organizations everywhere, after raising more money than any previous dinner, he found himself chairing the board. In 2012, Mr. Baldoni joined the National Board. His passion and drive for Big Brothers Big Sisters caused him to stand out, as he drove to find new ways to improve the organization and both expand and improve its reach. Mr. Baldoni was named National Board Chairman in 2016 and was instrumental in sculpting a five-year plan for the organization, along with the introduction of new modern technology that tracks the match between a Big and a Little. He has also played a huge role in adopting new criteria for all Big Brother Big Sister affiliates to improve standardization between chapters and has worked to rebrand the organization as a whole. 

Overall, Mr. Baldoni’s time working with Big Brothers Big Sisters has been characterized by his unwavering loyalty and dedication to this cause of mentorship. His national perspective combined with a local understanding of issues has made him an incredibly gifted leader who continues to work for change. His unwavering and endless dedication to this cause has made him a true champion for kids. 

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the of the Tampa Bay community, proud home of the national headquarters for Big Brother Big Sisters, I am proud to honor Mr. Baldoni for his formidable efforts and investment in our children all across America. The time and energy he has put into this organization shaped the futures of children from all different backgrounds. By strengthening communities and allowing these positive relationships to grow within Big Brothers Big Sisters, his work empowers children from Tampa Bay and beyond to achieve, succeed and flourish a blessing not just for them but for all of us as.