TITLE: Congratulating Tom Wilkinson Jr. on his retirement as executive director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments.

SUMMARY: Congratulating Tom Wilkinson Jr. on his retirement as executive director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Tom Wilkinson Jr. is retiring as executive director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments on March 31, 2021, drawing to a close an exceptional tenure that has spanned nearly three decades; and WHEREAS, One of only two executive directors in the history of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Tom Wilkinson has served at its helm since 1993; he oversees 24 planning regions and seven counties and will remain involved with BVCOG as a consultant until spring 2022; he joined the council as assistant executive director in 1991 after having presided over the Burleson County Savings Association for a decade; he is known for his sound fiscal management, and under his leadership the BVCOG has received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting on multiple occasions; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to the equitable distribution of resources, Mr. Wilkinson has played a vital role in the creation of a rural broadband network, the implementation of a regional geographic information system, and the founding of the Brazos Valley Affordable Housing Corporation and the Brazos Valley Community Development Corporation; further, he is directing a regional fiber optic project to bring telehealth to rural areas; among many initiatives, he helped guide the County Indigent Health Care Program and a revolving loan fund for business development, and he provided support to a housing choice voucher program; and WHEREAS, Widely respected, Mr. Wilkinson has received the highest accolades from the Texas Association and National Association of Regional Councils; in recognition of his many civic contributions, he was named Boss of the Year by the Brazos Valley Better Business Bureau and as a Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley Tribute Luncheon honoree; and WHEREAS, Tom Wilkinson's dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the residents of the Brazos Valley, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Tom Wilkinson Jr. on his retirement as executive director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Wilkinson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Leman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 255 was adopted by the House on March 18, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House