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 1995, 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. Menendez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 66 was adopted by the House on June 16, 2011, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House