88S31041 CJM-D
 
  By: Garcia H.R. No. 105
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, The retirement of Marise McDermott as president and
  CEO of the Witte Museum in San Antonio on December 31, 2023, offers
  a fitting opportunity to reflect on her outstanding record of
  achievement; and
         WHEREAS, Ms. McDermott assumed leadership of the Witte
  Museum in 2004 after serving as the inaugural director of its
  Humanities Center for a decade; under her guidance, the museum has
  experienced considerable growth in attendance, and its campus
  underwent a $100 million expansion that contributed to the
  revitalization of the Broadway Corridor; she also oversaw the
  renovation to the main building, which has since been the site of
  numerous science, nature, and culture exhibits and events,
  including the annual Fiesta coronation gown shows, a major survey
  of Texas painting and sculpture, and the Black Cowboys: An American
  Story exhibition; and
         WHEREAS, Before joining the Witte Museum, Ms. McDermott
  enjoyed a successful career in journalism, working for the
  San Angelo Standard-Times, the Austin American-Statesman, and the
  San Antonio Light; following her retirement, she will become the
  Witte president emeritus, helping with the leadership transition as
  well as the museum's 100th anniversary activities; and
         WHEREAS, Highly respected by her peers, Ms. McDermott has
  served as chair of the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation
  Commission; she has further given of her time and talents through
  leadership roles with the San Antonio Convention and Visitors
  Bureau, the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, and the Alamo
  Plaza Advisory Committee; over the years, she has received numerous
  accolades, including the Jack Nokes Outstanding Service Award from
  the Texas Association of Museums, the Business Person of the Year
  award from the San Antonio Business Journal, and the Texas Patriot
  Award from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; and
         WHEREAS, Admired for her commitment to expanding access to
  the cultural, natural, and historical heritage of Texas, Marise
  McDermott has made significant contributions to advancing the
  mission of the Witte Museum, and she may indeed reflect with pride
  on a career well spent as she embarks on the next exciting chapter
  of her life; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Marise
  McDermott on her retirement as president and CEO of the Witte Museum
  and extend to her sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Ms. McDermott as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.