82S10505 JNC-D
By: Menendez H.R. No. 66
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Michelle Thomas has been named executive director of
financial analysis for the AT&T corporate headquarters in Dallas;
and
WHEREAS, Born in Jamaica, Ms. Thomas moved with her family to
Texas in 1978, and in 2005, she was sworn in as a naturalized U.S.
citizen; she became one of the first members of her family to
graduate from college when she earned her bachelor's degree in
accounting from The University of Texas at Austin; and
WHEREAS, This Certified Public Accountant began her career as
a tax auditor with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and she
went on to serve as tax manager in the state and local tax practice
of Ernst & Young; in 1997, she joined SBC as a corporate manager in
the tax organization, and three years later, she was appointed
executive director of the federal regulatory group; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thomas has led the professional services
organization for AT&T's external and legislative affairs business
unit; as assistant vice president of external affairs for AT&T, she
has been responsible for legislative matters in Texas and for
community affairs in the San Antonio area; and
WHEREAS, A leader in her field, Ms. Thomas has been a mentor
for the Federal Communications Bar Association Foundation and a
member of the American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs, and
the Board of Directors of the National Association of Black
Accountants; her exceptional work has earned her the title of One of
America's Top Women in Technology; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thomas is also committed to working for the
benefit of others; in addition to serving on the board of the Girl
Scouts of America of Southwest Texas, the San Antonio Area
Foundation, and the United Negro College Fund Leadership Council,
she has been an active fund-raiser for the San Antonio Haven for
Hope homeless transformation center; and
WHEREAS, Her leadership roles include vice president for the
Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, director of audits for Jack and
Jill of America, and board member of HOPE worldwide Mid-Atlantic,
the Alamo City Black Chamber of Commerce, and the South San Antonio
Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Thomas has been supported in all of her
endeavors by a caring family that includes her husband, Major, and
their son; in her free time, she enjoys entertaining friends and
loved ones, traveling, playing golf, and running; and
WHEREAS, Michelle Thomas brings an impressive record of
experience and achievements to her new position, and she will
undoubtedly inspire her new colleagues and the people of North
Texas with her exceptional example of compassion and generosity;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby congratulate Michelle
Thomas on her promotion to the position of executive director of
financial analysis with AT&T, honor her for her many contributions
to the San Antonio community, and extend to her sincere best wishes
for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Ms. Thomas as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.