84R6596 BK-D

By: Turner of Tarrant H.R. No. 215

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, Devan Allen has contributed to the efficient operations of state government through her work as district director in the office of State Representative Chris Turner; on January 31, 2015, the colleagues of this esteemed staff member are bidding her a fond farewell as she departs from the office after two years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, In her role as district director, Ms. Allen has managed the daily operations of the district office, helping Representative Turner build a strong relationship with the citizens of House District 101 and ensuring that their voices are heard in Austin; admired for her resourcefulness and strong work ethic, she has put in long hours to meet the needs of constituents, and her efforts were indispensable in carrying out the representative's agenda during the 83rd Texas Legislature; and

WHEREAS, An alumna of the University of Colorado Denver and The University of Texas at Arlington, Ms. Allen served as field director for Representative Turner's election campaign in 2012 before accepting her current post; her professional background also includes tenures as district director for State Senator Wendy Davis and as a council aide for the Fort Worth City Council; and

WHEREAS, In addition to her experience in government affairs, Ms. Allen has been a committee and board member for numerous organizations, including the North Texas Higher Education Authority, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce, to name but a few; her involvement in charitable initiatives has encompassed volunteer work for such groups as Meals On Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and the Tarrant County Homeless Coalition, and she has served as a mentor for the UT Arlington Center for African American Studies and as a mentor and public relations chair for the Esther's Girls program; moreover, she has appeared as a speaker and panelist at seminars and conferences on a range of issues; and

WHEREAS, Devan Allen has established herself as an individual of rare commitment and ability as well as a role model for aspiring women leaders, and she is indeed deserving of recognition for her achievements as she prepares for the next exciting challenge in her career; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commend Devan Allen for her service as district director in the office of State Representative Chris Turner and extend to her warmest best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Ms. Allen as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.