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2012 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 164
Commending Margaret A. Focarino.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2012
Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2012

 

WHEREAS, Margaret A. Focarino was appointed Commissioner of Patents of the United States Patent and Trademark Office in January 2012; and

WHEREAS, a graduate of the State University of New York-Oswego, Margaret “Peggy” Focarino began her career with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 1977 as the only female patent examiner; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino earned a certificate in Advanced Public Management from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and rose through the USPTO ranks, eventually becoming Deputy Commissioner for Patents; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino has made numerous contributions to the USPTO during her tenure, leading key e-commerce initiatives that have resulted in tens of millions of dollars in savings and the creation of more efficient and effective processes; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino played a pivotal role in the USPTO’s latest expansion by developing innovative training programs such as the Patent Training Academy, which serves as a model for other intellectual property offices, and expanding the number of telecommuting employees; and

WHEREAS, Peggy Focarino has served as the USPTO’s chief negotiator on several important contracts and has also overseen the administration of international projects related to the Patent Cooperation Treaty; and

WHEREAS, in 2010 Peggy Focarino received the United States Department of Commerce Silver Medal for her work leading a joint union and management task force and was the recipient of American University’s School of Public Affairs Roger W. Jones Award for Executive Leadership for her effectiveness in organizational performance and development of employees; and

WHEREAS, an exemplary public servant, Peggy Focarino looks forward to continuing to advance the USPTO’s mission with her characteristic resolve, initiative, and creativity; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Margaret A. Focarino on her appointment as Commissioner of Patents for the United States Patent and Trademark Office; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Margaret A. Focarino as an expression of the General Assembly’s congratulations and admiration for her many accomplishments.