TITLE: Commending the staff of State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. for their exemplary service.

SUMMARY: Commending the staff of State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. for their exemplary service.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Throughout the 89th Legislative Session, State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. has benefited immeasurably from the outstanding work of his dedicated staff; and WHEREAS, Travis Griffin has demonstrated exemplary leadership during his two sessions as Chairman Bell's chief of staff; he has served with the Texas Legislature for 11 legislative sessions, including six as a chief of staff with the House of Representatives; he previously acted as political director of the Republican Party of Texas and as the first executive director of the Innovation & Technology Caucus of the Texas House; in 2025, he is marking 27 years in public service and political engagement; and WHEREAS, Amy Rister has worked tirelessly to run the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee as Chairman Bell's committee director; during her nine legislative session with the House, she has served as chief of staff for four members and as director of multiple committees; she has also used her clerking expertise at Texas GOP conventions, and she volunteers with the Junior League and holds the role of vice president for the Capitol Republican Women; in August, she will be graduating with a master of jurisprudence degree from Texas A&M University School of Law; and WHEREAS, Returning for his second session on Chairman Bell's staff, legislative director John Durr has provided invaluable support by undertaking a wide variety of challenging tasks, including constituency services and policy analysis; a native of Austin, he has worked for the Texas Legislature for seven sessions, including four with the House of Representatives; and WHEREAS, Having previously worked in Chairman Bell's office during the 85th Legislative Session, district director Nira Miller returned for the 88th and continues to play a vital role in managing the representative's district office; a former congressional staffer, she has also worked on congressional campaigns and coordinated media relations for think tanks, government agencies, and nonprofits; and WHEREAS, In his first legislative session, Eric Parikakis has served as assistant committee clerk to the House Intergovernmental Affairs Committee; a native of Plano, he is the policy director of the Texas Young Republicans; he is a graduate of Texas Christian University and The University of Texas at Dallas; and WHEREAS, Quintin Lorenz joined Chairman Bell's staff this session as an administrative and legislative aide, playing an invaluable role in ensuring the smooth operation of both legislative and administrative functions; a proud native of the Rio Grande Valley and a Texas State University alumnus, he is committed to advancing the Republican cause in Texas, whether by helping to grow his local Young Republican chapter, by working for an office, or by volunteering on the campaign trail; and WHEREAS, Two remarkable interns from The University of Texas at Austin, Emma Corbell and Connor Nihem, also served in the office of Chairman Bell; their efforts have been invaluable, and they are well prepared for success as they continue to pursue their academic and professional dreams; and WHEREAS, These esteemed public employees have performed their duties with great skill and dedication, and they are indeed deserving of special recognition for their fine work; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby commend the staff of State Representative Cecil Bell Jr. for their exemplary service and extend to them sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared for each member of the staff as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Bell of Montgomery Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1493 was adopted by the House on June 2, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House