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2016 SESSION

16101169D
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 44
Offered February 9, 2016
Commending Johnye Bennett.
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Patrons-- McDougle, Alexander, Barker, Black, Carrico, Chafin, Chase, Cosgrove, Dance, Deeds, DeSteph, Dunnavant, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Garrett, Hanger, Howell, Lewis, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, McEachin, McPike, Miller, Newman, Norment, Obenshain, Petersen, Reeves, Ruff, Saslaw, Stanley, Stuart, Sturtevant, Suetterlein, Surovell, Vogel, Wagner and Wexton
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WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett, Deputy Clerk – Support Services of the Senate of Virginia Clerk’s Office, retired on July 1, 2015, after 32 years of exceptional service to the people of the Commonwealth and the Senate of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett started her career in public service with the Richmond General District Court as the clerk and accountant for Judges Turlington, Robertson, Stout, and Wimbish; and

WHEREAS, after seven years working in the judicial system, Johnye Bennett joined the staff of the Senate Clerk’s Office, serving as secretary to Senators Edward Holland and Madison Marye during the 1990 Regular Session; and

WHEREAS, following the session, Johnye Bennett was asked to stay on as the Senate’s Purchasing/Fiscal Technician, and with her accounting acumen she quickly ascended the ranks to become the Senate’s Purchasing Officer in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett became an increasingly valuable asset to the Senate as she expanded her expertise of procurement law, attaining her certification as a Virginia Contracting Officer and becoming a member of the Virginia Association of Governmental Purchasing; and

WHEREAS, actively engaged in professional development and mentorship, Johnye Bennett was a member of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries and served as Chair of the Membership and Communication Committee and as Co-Chair of the Technology Committee; and

WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett’s professional excellence and personal attention to detail were reflected in every project she undertook, including the most challenging of her career, coordinating with the Clerk of the Senate the many jobs, activities, and events surrounding the historic renovation of the Virginia State Capitol from 2004 to 2007; and

WHEREAS, recognized early for her management potential, Johnye Bennett accepted the opportunity to attend the Commonwealth Management Institute and was promoted to a team leadership position in 2006; following her outstanding work with the Capitol renovation, she was named Assistant Clerk in 2009 and earned her current title of Deputy Clerk – Support Services in 2011; and

WHEREAS, with her outgoing personality and can-do attitude, Johnye Bennett has been a model team leader to the members of Support Services, who have learned by her example that nothing is impossible with a little imagination and a lot of determination; and

WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett plans to keep equally busy in her retirement; she has set her sights on traveling the globe, attending art classes, and spending more quality time with family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Johnye Bennett has represented the Senate with honor and distinction and has gained the admiration and respect of state leaders, contractors, and colleagues in each of the three branches of government; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Johnye Bennett hereby be commended for her outstanding service to the Commonwealth and her commitment to the preservation of the Virginia State Capitol as a treasured historic landmark; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Johnye Bennett, former Deputy Clerk – Support Services, as an expression of the Senate of Virginia’s appreciation for her dedication, admiration for her sense of style, and best wishes for a happy and long retirement.