TITLE: Recognizing James E. Smith on the occasion of his retirement.

SUMMARY: Recognizing James E. Smith on the occasion of his retirement.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, James E. Smith retired as superintendent of North Texas State Hospital on May 31, 2023, drawing to a close an exceptional career in the Texas mental health system that spanned nearly half a century; and WHEREAS, Jim Smith previously served as chief executive officer and superintendent of the Vernon and Wichita Falls State Hospitals; in 1996, the administrations of the two facilities were combined under his leadership, and in 1998, they were consolidated as what would become North Texas State Hospital; overseeing the state's largest psychiatric hospital, Mr. Smith helped raise the level of care for patients on the facility's three campuses, which today provide inpatient psychiatric services for adults and youth and an adolescent forensic program; and WHEREAS, A licensed clinical social worker and diplomate in clinical social work, Mr. Smith has helped lead numerous mental health organizations; currently, he presides over the Southern States Psychiatric Hospital Association, and he is a past chair of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Forensic Division; he is involved with the Wichita County Healthcare Coalition, and he has lent his expertise to the Joint Committee on Access and Forensic Services and to the Joint Commission Suicide Risk Reduction Expert Panel; and WHEREAS, Deeply committed to the mission of North Texas State Hospital, Jim Smith played a vital role in promoting the health and well-being of his fellow Texans, and he may indeed reflect with pride on a job well done as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate James E. Smith on his retirement as superintendent of North Texas State Hospital 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. Smith as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Springer President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on June 12, 2023.