SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1053 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Owen Whitworth, who is retiring as director of the Texas Department of Transportation Audit Office after 30 years of outstanding service to the state; and WHEREAS, A graduate of Idaho State University, Mr. Whitworth began his career at the Texas Department of Transportation in 1981 as an accounting manager; he became a certified public accountant in 1983, and his outstanding proficiency in his duties and commitment to excellence led to his promotion to the position of audit director in 1984; and WHEREAS, Throughout his career, he has been noted for his exceptional organizational skills and accounting expertise; in 1988, he was certified as an internal auditor, signifying his proficiency and professionalism in the field; and WHEREAS, Talented and resourceful, he has handled his many responsibilities with exceptional efficiency and dedication; under his leadership, the Texas Department of Transportation Audit Office was twice selected as Employer of the Year by the Austin Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors, and in 2005, he received the Journey Toward Excellence Award, one of the highest honors the department bestows; and WHEREAS, He has lent his expertise to many professional organizations; he has served for 12 years on the Employees Retirement System of Texas board of trustees and was a founding member of the State Agency Internal Audit Forum; and WHEREAS, An exemplary public servant, he is respected and admired by his colleagues, and his presence at the Texas Department of Transportation Audit Office will be greatly missed; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Owen Whitworth on his exceptional service to the people of Texas as an employee of the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to him best wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Watson ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 20, 2011. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate