HR1634: HR1634 Thomas, Jody; distinguished leadership and service; commend

26 LC 129 1354 House Resolution 1634 By: Representatives Scott of the 76th, Schofield of the 63rd, Davis of the 87th, Burnough of the 77th, and Jones of the 60th A RESOLUTION Honoring Jody Thomas for her distinguished leadership and service; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, Jody Thomas has faithfully served as Executive Directo r of the National2 Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) since December 2013, pr oviding visionary3 leadership, strategic direction, and steadfast management in alignment with the mission and4 goals established by its Board of Directors; and5 WHEREAS, under her exceptional stewardship, NFWL has experienced strengthened policy6 development, expanded programming, enhanced communications, res ponsible financial7 management, and successful fundraising initiatives-ensuring the long-term stability,8 sustainability, and growth of the organization; and9 WHEREAS, at a pivotal time when the future of NFWL was uncertai n, Jody Thomas10 demonstrated courage, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, working11 hand in hand with the Board of Directors to secure a strong and hopeful path forward for12 women legislators nationwide; and13 WHEREAS, throughout her tenure, she has been a tireless champio n of bipartisan14 cooperation, consistently encouraging leaders to rise above par ty divisions in order to15 H. R. 1634 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1354 advance sound public policy, strengthen civic discourse, and se rve the greater good of the16 American people; and17 WHEREAS, her leadership cultivated a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse environment18 within NFWL's membership and executive leadership, reflecting h er belief that19 representation, respect, and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective governance; and20 WHEREAS, with more than 30 years of distinguished service in pu blic affairs and21 government relations, Ms. Thomas has held numerous prominent po sitions, including22 National Finance Director for two presidential campaigns, partn er in a public affairs firm,23 fundraiser and political director for Congressman J. C. Watts, and appointee of President24 George W. Bush as Director of Public Liaison for the Office of Personnel Management; and25 WHEREAS, beyond her professional accomplishments, Jody Thomas i s widely respected26 as a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend to countless women lea ders across the nation,27 offering guidance, encouragement, and wisdom to those navigatin g public service and28 government relations; and29 WHEREAS, her legacy is defined not only by measurable organizational success, but by the30 relationships she nurtured, the leaders she developed, and the bipartisan spirit she31 consistently modeled.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that33 the members of this body recognize and commend Jody Thomas as a woman who stands34 among the very best in leadership-an architect of opportunity, a guardian of institutional35 excellence, and a steadfast champion for women in public service across the United States.36 H. R. 1634 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1354 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that her dedication to empowering women legislators,37 strengthening bipartisan collaboration, and ensuring the continued success of the National38 Foundation for Women Legislators shall serve as an enduring exa mple of principled39 leadership and service.40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized41 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Jody42 Thomas.43 H. R. 1634 - 3 -