| |
| |
|
|
SENATE RESOLUTION
|
|
|
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to |
|
|
recognize Lance Simmons on the occasion of his retirement as |
|
|
chief engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation after a |
|
|
distinguished 32-year career; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, In 1993, Lance Simmons earned a bachelor's degree |
|
|
in civil engineering as a Terry Scholar at Texas A&M University, |
|
|
and after graduating, he embarked on his impressive career with |
|
|
the Texas Department of Transportation in the Atlanta District |
|
|
Design Office; throughout the following three decades, he served |
|
|
in numerous key roles, including as a bridge and special projects |
|
|
engineer, director of operations, and district engineer of the |
|
|
Bryan District; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, In 2021, Mr. Simmons moved to Austin to assume |
|
|
the role of director of Engineering and Safety Operations, and he |
|
|
was appointed chief engineer in 2022; his astute leadership has |
|
|
been instrumental in creating a culture of safety and improving |
|
|
the department's overall communication and stewardship; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons led the department to record highs in |
|
|
project lettings, construction volumes, and pavement scores in |
|
|
2024, and his dedicated service to the State of Texas was |
|
|
recognized with the 2014 Luther DeBerry Award; his management of |
|
|
the department and its operations during emergencies has |
|
|
contributed to the collective strength of all its employees and |
|
|
to the safety of drivers on Texas highways; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Respected and admired by his colleagues in the |
|
|
department, Lance Simmons leaves behind an enduring legacy |
|
|
defined by the relationships he has cultivated and by the high |
|
|
standards he has upheld for the Texas Department of |
|
|
Transportation; as he looks ahead to enjoying his retirement |
|
|
alongside his wife Deanne, a fellow Texas Department of |
|
|
Transportation retiree, it is indeed fitting that he receive |
|
|
special recognition for his outstanding contributions to the |
|
|
Texas Department of Transportation and to the people of the Lone |
|
|
Star State; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th |
|
|
Legislature, hereby commend Lance Simmons on his exemplary |
|
|
career with the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to |
|
|
him congratulations on his retirement and best wishes for the |
|
|
future; and, be it further |
|
|
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
|
|
him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. |