H.R. No. 1054
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Doris Howdeshell is retiring from her position as
travel information division director for the Texas Department of
Transportation on April 30, 2011, drawing to a close an exemplary
career in state government that has spanned more than three
decades; and
WHEREAS, A native of the Hill Country, Ms. Howdeshell earned
her bachelor's degree with honors in English from Southwest Texas
State University in 1973; she joined the travel information
division of TxDOT in 1979 and worked in administration until 1984;
the following year, she became the staff services officer, and in
1992, she was promoted to deputy division director; she has served
in her current post since 1995; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Howdeshell has played a leading role in
promoting Texas as a tourist destination; her responsibilities have
included managing the "Don't Mess with Texas" antilitter campaign
and the Adopt-a-Highway volunteer cleanup program, as well as
overseeing the publication of Texas Highways magazine; moreover,
she has worked to coordinate efforts with the economic development
and tourism division of the governor's office, the Texas Commission
on the Arts, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Texas Parks
and Wildlife Department; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed professional has further
distinguished herself as chair of the Texas State Agency Tourism
Council, as an ex officio board member of the Texas Travel Industry
Association, and as an advisory board member of AAA Texas; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her many contributions to Texas
tourism, Ms. Howdeshell was presented with the Tall in Texas Award
in 2006 by TTIA, and in 2009, she earned the Bluebonnet Award for
her contributions to the Keep Texas Beautiful program; and
WHEREAS, Doris Howdeshell's hard work, dedication, and
commitment to excellence have greatly benefited not only her fellow
Texans, but also countless visitors to the state, and she may indeed
reflect with pride on a career well spent as she embarks on the next
exciting chapter of her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Doris Howdeshell on her retirement
as director of the travel information division of the Texas
Department of Transportation and extend to her sincere best wishes
for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Howdeshell as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Guillen
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1054 was adopted by the House on April
14, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House