SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 56
(By Senator Chafin)
Recognizing Virginia L. Branham-Lewis for her commitment and
dedication to public service.
Whereas, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis has been an honorable,
diligent and loyal public servant since 1978 when she was hired by
the Mingo County Commission as a secretary/clerk for the Housing
Authority of Mingo County; and
Whereas, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis became executive director
of the Housing Authority of Mingo County in 1981 and has expanded
the authority to provide rental assistance to over 1,400 families
in a five-county region; and
Whereas, Under the guidance of Virginia L. Branham-Lewis, the
Housing Authority of Mingo County tenaciously pursued funds to
purchase a 35-unit public housing complex and gut and remodel a
10,000 square foot building which has become the administrative
offices of the authority; and
Whereas, Since 2001, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis has coordinated
efforts between various agencies to provide loans to qualified
borrowers totaling $13,360,702, making the American dream of home
ownership a reality for many individuals and families; and
Whereas, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis has been instrumental in
securing more than $25 million in water projects for Mingo County and bringing public transportation to the area through Tri-Rivers
Transit; and
Whereas, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis has served as Vice
President of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, Vice
President/Treasurer of the West Virginia Association of Housing
Agencies and Secretary of the West Virginia Affordable Housing
Trust Fund; and
Whereas, Virginia L. Branham-Lewis has been a role model to
her colleagues and the people she serves and her high degree of
professional integrity exemplifies the public's expectations for
the conduct of a public servant; and
Whereas, After 31 years of public service, Virginia L.
Branham-Lewis will enjoy the fruits of her labor through well-
deserved retirement; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes Virginia L. Branham-Lewis
for her commitment and dedication to public service; and, be it
Further Resolved, The Senate extends its sincere appreciation
to Virginia L. Branham-Lewis for her exemplary service and
expresses its best wishes to her on the occasion of her retirement
and for any future endeavors she may choose to undertake; and, be
it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward
a copy of this resolution to Virginia L. Branham-Lewis.