SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 418
WHEREAS, Karen Shira retired from the United Nations
Information Center in Washington, D.C., on March 31, 2021,
drawing to a close more than a quarter century of service to the
organization; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of her exemplary 25-year tenure
with the UN Information Center, Mrs. Shira worked closely with
four secretaries general of the UN, helping to coordinate their
visits to Washington to meet with the president and other
high-ranking federal officials; in addition, she oversaw the
office's accounting, financial, and human resources functions,
and in recent years she was responsible for hiring and mentoring
members of its renowned internship program; she also was a key
player in three large lease renegotiations; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Shira began her career with the finance
department of the Town of Herndon, Virginia, and worked for a
time as an accountant in the private sector; in 1983, she
graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training
Academy at the top of her class and became a deputy sheriff with
the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department; she later played a vital
role in establishing the accounting practices of the State
Justice Institute in Alexandria, Virginia; and
WHEREAS, In all her endeavors, Mrs. Shira has enjoyed the
love and support of her husband, James, as well as that of her
three sons; the Shiras recently moved to Fort Worth to be close to
their family; and
WHEREAS, Karen Shira's dedication, hard work, and
commitment to excellence have greatly benefited the mission of
the United Nations and earned her the respect and admiration of
her colleagues, and she may indeed reflect with pride on a career
well spent as she embarks upon the next exciting chapter of her
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th
Legislature, hereby congratulate Karen Shira on her retirement
from the United Nations Information Center and extend to her
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for Mrs. Shira as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
Powell
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 17, 2021.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate