“Our nation today lost a giant of the United States Senate in Dianne Feinstein. As Supervisor, Mayor, and Senator, Dianne Feinstein served the people of California and our nation with distinction for decades.
“I had the true privilege of working with her in Washington. She was a passionate advocate for our state, a problem solver, and a master legislator. Over the years, she accomplished so much – from authoring the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, enacting the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, writing the Torture Report, standing up for Reproductive freedoms, and passing so many pieces of legislation to strengthen our business competitiveness and solve problems for our state and our nation.
“She came to Silicon Valley so many times where she had the opportunity to speak to our members. In every conversation, she would lay out the unvarnished facts about issues large and small that mattered to the Silicon Valley community and our region’s economy.
This is also a deeply personal loss, and today I am thinking foremost about the Senator’s family, along with the extended network of former staff who loved and respected her. She was my first real boss and a long-time mentor. She was one of the most kind and generous people I have ever met. Behind the tough exterior, she was someone quick to smile with a wry sense of humor. She always was willing to share her wisdom. She was caring and warm with my wife Reena and my two sons.
I would not have had all the opportunities that I have been afforded in my career without her, and I remain forever grateful.
“Senator Feinstein leaves an unmatched legacy for our state and our nation. She lived with a zest for life and accomplished so much. She will be deeply missed.
“On behalf of SVLG and our members, we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”
— Ahmad Thomas, CEO of Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG)
###
