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2010 SESSION

10104138D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 219
Offered February 2, 2010
Celebrating the life of Ann Rodriguez.
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Patrons-- Plum, Bulova, Comstock, Ebbin, Englin, Herring, Keam, Kory, LeMunyon, Rust, Scott, J.M., Sickles, Surovell and Watts; Senator: Howell
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WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez, president and CEO of the Arts Council of Fairfax County and a commissioner for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, died on October 28, 2009; and

WHEREAS, born in Indiana and raised in Huntington, West Virginia, Ann Rodriguez received a bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and early in her career was an on-air radio and television personality in Huntington and a television producer in Norfolk; and

WHEREAS, a 34-year resident of Reston, Ann Rodriguez, known for her professionalism and grace, was a passionate leader in the business and arts communities of Reston and Fairfax County; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez worked for Martha Weems, Ltd., before starting her own company, Corporate Products, a promotional advertising business that marketed promotional products to local and national companies; she sold her company in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez became part of a group of business leaders who formed the Reston Board of Commerce in the 1980s, which went on to become the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce; she served as chairman of the Chamber’s board from 1995 to 1996; and

WHEREAS, an artist who worked in hand-painted porcelain, Ann Rodriguez’ interest in the advocacy of the arts grew as she served as vice-chairman of the board of directors of the Greater Reston Arts Center; she became the interim executive director of the organization in 2002; and

WHEREAS, in 2004 Ann Rodriguez became president and CEO of the Arts Council of Fairfax County, an organization that supports arts-related activities through programs, grants, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, under her leadership, the Arts Council played a key role along with the Fairfax County Arts Committee in the development of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for the Arts; in 2006 the Arts Council received a $500,000 increase from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to be regranted to local artists and arts organizations; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez drew upon her broadcast journalism background when she served as a trustee of Reston Hospital; she created and hosted a health education television show called “Healthfocus”; and

WHEREAS, for 10 years, Ann Rodriguez was also the host of “Business Focus,” a local Comcast Cable program produced by the Reston Chamber of Commerce to showcase area businesses; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez was one of seven commissioners overseeing the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, which promotes the county worldwide as a prime business location; appointed to the commission in 2002, she was its secretary/treasurer; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez was the director of Virginians for the Arts and was involved with the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington and the Lorton Arts Foundation; she was also a volunteer with Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays; and

WHEREAS, in 2002 Ann Rodriguez received the “Best of Reston” award from Reston Interfaith and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce for her longtime dedication and service to the Reston community; and

WHEREAS, Ann Rodriguez will be fondly remembered for her generous and compassionate nature and will be greatly missed by her loving son, Paco; sister, Phyllis; brother, David; and the citizens of Reston and Fairfax County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a dedicated community leader and outstanding Virginian, Ann Rodriguez; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Ann Rodriguez as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.