SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 268 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Traci Wickett for her outstanding service as chairman of the board of United Way of Texas; and WHEREAS, United Way of Texas has benefitted immensely from the dedicated leadership of Traci Wickett; during her term as chairman of the board from 2009 to 2010, the organization has made significant progress on a variety of statewide initiatives, improving public access to valuable services such as early education and college readiness programs, financial education and tax preparation assistance, health care for children and seniors, and assistance in disaster recovery and preparedness; and WHEREAS, Traci Wickett has served as president and chief executive officer of United Way of Southern Cameron County since 1996, and she has played a vital role in the organization's growth; she helped to increase campaign contributions by 26 percent her first year, and the organization has exceeded its annual campaign goal eight times under her direction; and WHEREAS, She spearheaded the region's Success By 6 initiative, which focuses on the developmental needs of children from birth to age six; it was recently named one of the top five Success By 6 programs in the nation; and WHEREAS, Under her expert guidance, United Way of Southern Cameron County has expanded its mission beyond raising and distributing funds to increasing awareness of the root causes of societal problems; she regularly addresses national conferences on the United Way's changing role in the community and is a member of United Way of America's faculty for courses in funding system redesign, community impact, and creating Success By 6 initiatives; and WHEREAS, Active in numerous community organizations, she is noted for her collaborative efforts with state and local officials, and she is truly deserving of recognition for the positive impact she has had on the lives of countless people; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend Traci Wickett on her many achievements and her dedicated service as chairman of the board of United Way of Texas and extend to her best wishes for continued success in all her endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for her as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Lucio ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 15, 2011. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate