H.R. No. 539 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Jerry W. Jones Jr., economic development director for the City of Richmond, is the recipient of a 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award from Development Counsellors International and Jorgenson Consulting; and WHEREAS, This biennial accolade recognizes professionals under the age of 40 whose innovative leadership and diverse skill sets are helping to build inclusive and equitable economies and resilient communities; selected from more than 200 nominees, Jerry Jones was among the 40 individuals honored on March 16 at a virtual awards ceremony held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit; and WHEREAS, Named the Richmond economic development director in November 2020, Mr. Jones oversees project management, among other duties, and brings more than a decade of experience in workforce development and regional outreach to his new role; he previously worked in Louisiana as director of economic development for the Baton Rouge North Economic Development District and St. John the Baptist Parish, and he has also served as project manager for the Central Louisiana Business Incubator, as economic developer for the Imperial Calcasieu Regional Planning and Development Commission, and as CEO for the Lake Charles North Redevelopment Authority; and WHEREAS, Mr. Jones has further distinguished himself through his civic engagement, serving on the Alexandria City Council as well as on a number of boards and commissions; he also belongs to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Jno G. Lewis Jr. Lodge No. 261; he holds a political science degree from Southern University and Agricultural & Mechanical College and True South Basic Certification in Economic Development from the University of Southern Mississippi; moreover, he completed the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma and the Authentic Leadership program at the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government; and WHEREAS, Jerry Jones has set an outstanding example of leadership in his field and in his community, and he may indeed take justifiable pride in his many achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Jerry W. Jones Jr. on his receipt of a 2021 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Jetton ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 539 was adopted by the House on April 16, 2021, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House