SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 376
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize Carter Smith, who retired as executive director of the
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in January of 2023 after 15
  years of exemplary leadership; and
 
         WHEREAS, Carter's career has been defined by his ongoing
  dedication to wildlife and land management, wildlife biology,
  and land conservation, and he is noted for his unstinting
  stewardship of Texas land, waters, and wildlife; and
 
         WHEREAS, Carter developed a deep appreciation for the
  natural world as a child on his family's farm and ranchlands in
  Central Texas, and his passion for wildlife helped to guide him
  throughout his education; he earned his bachelor's degree in
  wildlife management from Texas Tech University, and he holds a
  master's degree in conservation biology from Yale University; and
 
         WHEREAS, Carter has served on numerous
  conservation-related boards and advisory councils, and he has
  contributed to wildlife conservation projects across all of
  North America; before joining the Texas Parks and Wildlife
  Department as executive director in 2008, he served as director
  of the Nature Conservancy of Texas; he has served as chairman of
  the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and has been a
  member and leader of numerous professional organizations; and
 
         WHEREAS, Carter has received a range of awards
  recognizing his years of service and contributions to
  conserving natural resources, and in 2022, the Association of
  Fish and Wildlife Agencies awarded Carter its highest honor,
  the Seth Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award; and
 
         WHEREAS, With far-reaching vision and exceptional
  knowledge and leadership, Carter has overseen a team of 3,300
  Texas Parks and Wildlife Department employees and has guided the
  department in its mission to manage and conserve the natural
  resources of Texas; and
 
         WHEREAS, An exemplary public servant, Carter Smith has
  devoted his career to caring for the wildlife and the land of
  Texas, and it is indeed fitting that he receive special
  recognition on his outstanding contributions to the Lone Star
  State; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby commend Carter Smith on his distinguished
  career and service as executive director of the Texas Parks and
  Wildlife Department and extend to him congratulations on his
  retirement and best wishes for success in all his future
  endeavors; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
 
  Perry
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on April 3, 2023.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate