Bill Text: VA SJR375 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Ruth Anne Walker.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2025-02-13 - Laid on Clerk's Desk [SJR375 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-SJR375-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25106726D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 375
Offered February 13, 2025
Commending Ruth Anne Walker.
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Patron—Deeds
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WHEREAS, Ruth Anne Walker, a dedicated public servant who led a distinguished career with the Department of Behavioral Health Services, retired from public service in December 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services enact regulations to protect the rights and safety of citizens, ensure the delivery of public goods and services, and define responsibilities and procedures that direct and guide community mental health, developmental, and substance use services and facilities; and
WHEREAS, during her 20-year tenure with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Ruth Anne Walker served diligently in numerous roles including confidential assistant, policy administrator, regulatory coordinator, marketing manager, public relations and legislative manager, and policy planning specialist; she completed her career as Director of the Office of Regulatory Affairs and State Board Liaison within the Division of Provider Management on January 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, during her two decades of service to the Commonwealth, Ruth Anne Walker gave generously of her time, talents, and energy, and her work with colleagues at all levels of the organization and her collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, conducted with honesty, integrity, and in a forthright manner, personifies the best virtues of a public servant; and
WHEREAS, Ruth Anne Walker has served as a vital catalyst to actualize meaningful system structures such as the Virginia Victims of Eugenics Sterilization Compensation Program, which provided recompense for people involuntarily sterilized according to the Virginia Sterilization Act of 1924; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth owes Ruth Anne Walker a debt of gratitude for her steadfast leadership, professionalism, and personal commitment; for her conscientious influence in defending the self-determination, empowerment, and recovery of individuals; and for her many other actions supporting a life of possibilities for all Virginians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Ruth Anne Walker on the occasion of her retirement for her exemplary devotion and admirable service to the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Ruth Anne Walker as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her contributions to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
