Bill Text: VA SJR272 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Anne Cochrane Pace.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2025-01-20 - Agreed to by House by voice vote [SJR272 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-SJR272-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25104104D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 272
Offered January 14, 2025
Commending Anne Cochrane Pace.
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Patron—VanValkenburg
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WHEREAS, Anne Cochrane Pace, who has served as the administrator and sole employee of the Commonwealth Health Research Board since its establishment in 1997, will retire in 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Health Research Fund (CHRF) and the Commonwealth Health Research Board (CHRB) were established by an act of the General Assembly to support biomedical research in the Commonwealth to benefit the health of Virginians; and
WHEREAS, under Anne Pace's oversight, the initial principal for the CHRF was invested and the proceeds were used to provide grant awards to investigators at Virginia universities and colleges, as directed by the General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, during Anne Pace's 25-year tenure, the CHRF and CHRB have provided more than $26 million through more than 300 research awards to investigators at 25 colleges and universities in the Commonwealth, with these universities offering matching funds of more than $11 million to provide additional support for biomedical research; and
WHEREAS, as a result of Anne Pace's efforts, these principal investigators have used the results of research supported by the CHRF to apply for and obtain additional funding of more than $93 million, which has come into the Commonwealth to continue and expand their research; some investigators have been able to use the results of the research supported by the fund to develop their innovative ideas for technology transfer and commercialization, benefiting the economy of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Anne Pace has supervised the submission, expert consultant review, and board consideration of research proposals, has provided for the transfer of research funding to applicant institutions and principal investigators, and has provided for oversight and accountability of awardees by requiring submission of regular fiscal and scientific progress reports for administrator and board review; and
WHEREAS, Anne Pace has worked with the auditor of public accounts on 13 audits, with proper reporting of financial transactions in the Commonwealth's accounting and financial reporting system; and
WHEREAS, Anne Pace has performed the necessary tasks to provide information to members of the CHRB, including planning for and organizing all meetings of the board; and
WHEREAS, Anne Pace has administered the CHRB under seven governors, worked with 32 gubernatorial and legislative joint rules committee appointees to the CHRB, and supported the board during the tenure of seven board chairs; and
WHEREAS, through her careful dedication and effort for almost 25 years, Anne Pace has supported the excellence of biomedical research and the career development of researchers throughout the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Anne Cochrane Pace on the occasion of her retirement as the Commonwealth Health Research Board administrator; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Anne Cochrane Pace as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her achievements in service to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement.
