TITLE: Recognizing Carter Smith on the occasion of his retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Carter Smith on the occasion of his retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Carter Smith, who retired as executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in January of 2023 after 15 years of exemplary leadership; and WHEREAS, Carter's career has been defined by his ongoing dedication to wildlife and land management, wildlife biology, and land conservation, and he is noted for his unstinting stewardship of Texas land, waters, and wildlife; and WHEREAS, Carter developed a deep appreciation for the natural world as a child on his family's farm and ranchlands in Central Texas, and his passion for wildlife helped to guide him throughout his education; he earned his bachelor's degree in wildlife management from Texas Tech University, and he holds a master's degree in conservation biology from Yale University; and WHEREAS, Carter has served on numerous conservation-related boards and advisory councils, and he has contributed to wildlife conservation projects across all of North America; before joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as executive director in 2008, he served as director of the Nature Conservancy of Texas; he has served as chairman of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and has been a member and leader of numerous professional organizations; and WHEREAS, Carter has received a range of awards recognizing his years of service and contributions to conserving natural resources, and in 2022, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies awarded Carter its highest honor, the Seth Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award; and WHEREAS, With far-reaching vision and exceptional knowledge and leadership, Carter has overseen a team of 3,300 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees and has guided the department in its mission to manage and conserve the natural resources of Texas; and WHEREAS, An exemplary public servant, Carter Smith has devoted his career to caring for the wildlife and the land of Texas, and it is indeed fitting that he receive special recognition on his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend Carter Smith on his distinguished career and service as executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and extend to him congratulations on his retirement and best wishes for success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Perry President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 3, 2023.