Bill Text: SC H3502 | 2017-2018 | 122nd General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Heather McTeer Toney
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 78-44)
Status: (Passed) 2017-01-18 - Introduced and adopted [H3502 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2017-H3502-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR HEATHER MCTEER TONEY FOR HER SERVICE AS THE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE EPA'S SOUTHEAST REGION AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AS SHE LEAVES HER POST.
Whereas, born and reared in Greenville, Mississippi, Heather McTeer Toney is the daughter of Victor and Mercidees McTeer, a civil rights attorney and a public school teacher, to whom she credits her commitment to advocacy and community service; and
Whereas, after earning a bachelor's degree in sociology from Spelman College in Atlanta and a law degree from the Tulane University School of Law, Mrs. Toney returned home to work as a member of McTeer & Associates Law Firm, where she realized the depth of community needs, many of which lay unattended; and
Whereas, in 2003, she was elected as the first African-American, as well as the first female, to serve as mayor of Greenville, Mississippi, and served with distinction for two terms from 2004-2012, and served as past president of the National Conference of Black Mayors. During her tenure, the city emerged from significant debt and received millions of dollars in grants and federal assistance, while Greenville completed major infrastructure projects; and
Whereas, Mrs. Toney later served as the executive director of the Center for Excellence in Student Learning and TRIO programs at Mississippi Valley State University; and
Whereas, in January 2014, she was appointed by President Barack Obama the regional administrator for the EPA's Southeast Region, and as such she has supported the ReGenesis Collaborative Project and other environmental justice efforts in South Carolina. She promoted strong partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and other key stakeholders; and
Whereas, responsible for protecting human health and the environment in the eight southeastern states, the most populated and diverse of ten regions, Mrs. Toney has supported the White House Clean Energy for All Initiative and the ReGenesis Solar Facility, has focused on community engagement and building trust among disenfranchised communities, and has served as past chair of the EPA Local Government Advisory Committee; and
Whereas, while directing the Southeast Region's nearly one thousand employees and effectively managing a budget of more than five hundred million dollars, she advanced the administration's priorities of protecting human health and the environment and addressed many critical and complex regional challenges, internally and externally; and
Whereas, deeply committed to her community, Mrs. Toney also advocates nationally and internationally for women's issues, environmental health, and education, and has received numerous awards and honors; and
Whereas, she has appeared on news outlets such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and C-Span, and she has been featured in The Washington Post, Jackson Clarion Ledger, Jet, Marie Claire, Essence, and The Mississippi Business Journal. Mrs. Toney was featured in the May 2005 issue of Essence as one of the "50 Most Remarkable Women in the World"; and
Whereas, married to Dexter Toney, she enjoys spending time with their two children and is an avid runner, having completed a marathon, triathlon, and numerous other races. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and an active member of New Living Way Christian Fellowship Church in Greenville, Mississippi; and
The South Carolina House of Representatives values the dedication and service that Heather Toney has provided to the citizens of our great State and to our nation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Heather McTeer Toney for her service as the Regional Administrator for the EPA's Southeast Region and wish her continued success as she leaves her post.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Heather McTeer Toney.
