Bill Text: VA HR89 | 2011 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending Donald C.J. Gehring.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 8-1)
Status: (Passed) 2011-02-26 - House: Bill text as passed House (HR89ER) [HR89 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2011-HR89-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Donald C.J. Gehring, a respected attorney and government relations expert, has provided distinguished service to Virginia Commonwealth University and the Commonwealth over the course of his career; and WHEREAS, after receiving a law degree from the University of Notre Dame, Donald "Don" Gehring began his legal career with the District Attorney's Office in Philadelphia, which was then followed by work for the United States Department of Justice and later, private practice; and WHEREAS, Don Gehring left private practice in Roanoke to join Virginia's Attorney General's Office, where he served with distinction as deputy attorney general in the criminal law enforcement division; and WHEREAS, under Governors Gerald Baliles and L. Douglas Wilder, Don Gehring served as Deputy Secretary of Public Safety, where he helped facilitate the creation of the Department of Youth Services, the forerunner of the Department of Juvenile Justice; and WHEREAS, in 1990 Don Gehring joined Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) as the assistant to the president for government and community relations, becoming vice president for government relations and health policy in 1995; and WHEREAS, Don Gehring's vast experience working with local, state, and national government leaders proved invaluable during his tenure at VCU and the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS); and WHEREAS, Don Gehring significantly impacted the financial health and strength of VCU and VCUHS through his pivotal role in the creation of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority and his tireless work to secure Medicaid funding for indigent health care needs; and WHEREAS, Don Gehring devoted countless hours to promoting positive relations between VCU and local residents, meeting with neighborhood associations to facilitate productive dialogue and build strong relationships; and WHEREAS, an influential advocate, Don Gehring was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority and worked with legislators, staff, and health care organizations on numerous other legislative priorities; and WHEREAS, a respected leader known for his resolve and dedication, Don Gehring has made valuable and lasting contributions over the course of his career; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates commend Donald C.J. Gehring for his distinguished service to Virginia Commonwealth University and the Commonwealth; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Donald C.J. Gehring as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration and respect for his innovative ideas, commitment to serving others, and exemplary contributions in all his endeavors. |