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2014 SPECIAL SESSION I
WHEREAS, Melanie Rhoades Gerheart, an advocate and activist for health care issues who worked to ensure that the citizens of the Commonwealth received the best possible care throughout her 34-year career, died on June 24, 2014; and
WHEREAS, a native of Coats, North Carolina, Melanie Gerheart was raised in Hampton and earned a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University before moving to Richmond to begin a successful career in public policy; and
WHEREAS, a woman of the highest integrity and professionalism, Melanie Gerheart was admired as a trusted friend and mentor and an honest, fair, and devoted servant of the citizens of the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart served faithfully as lobbyist, consultant, and advisor to many health care organizations during her career, including CHIP of Virginia, Virginia Emergency Physicians, Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists, Virginia OB-GYN Society, and District IV of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and
WHEREAS, during her long career in public policy, Melanie Gerheart earned the confidence and respect of members of the General Assembly while representing the interests of her health care clients; and
WHEREAS, not only her clients but also legislators, health care professionals, and General Assembly staff relied on Melanie Gerheart’s robust intellect, loyalty, and determination, that wonderful sense of humor, and her sustaining leadership in dealing with the many legislative and policy issues relating to health care in Virginia; and
WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart worked in conjunction with the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association, Virginia Association of Health Plans, and Medical Society of Virginia, often bringing these groups and their members together to solve difficult issues; and
WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart fought for the rights of physicians, their patients, and others to enhance the physician-patient relationship; her wise counsel, ability to negotiate effectively, and broad knowledge have been responsible for advancing the provision of health care to millions of Virginians; and
WHEREAS, Melanie Gerheart will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Walter; children, Margaret, Peter, and Lee, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Melanie Rhoades Gerheart, a passionate advocate and activist for health care issues in the Commonwealth; 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 Melanie Rhoades Gerheart as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for her memory.