H.R. No. 66 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, America Jones of El Paso has been named to Profiles in Diversity Journal's 2021 list of Latino Leaders Worth Watching; and WHEREAS, For more than two decades, Profiles in Diversity Journal has honored individuals who excel in their chosen fields while innovating, mentoring others, and advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace; and WHEREAS, America Jones is the chief executive officer of Kindred Hospital El Paso, a long-term acute care facility that treats chronically, critically ill patients who require specialized care during an extended stay in a hospital setting; during her tenure, she has worked to develop a strong culture of staff engagement, diversity, and mutual respect; as a result, staff turnover is low, which contributes to a superior quality of care for patients; and WHEREAS, The first college graduate in her family, Ms. Jones earned her bachelor's degree in nursing at The University of Texas at El Paso; she initially majored in electrical engineering at UT Austin but interrupted her studies to help her grandmother when she was diagnosed with cancer; after witnessing the holistic, compassionate care provided by a hospice nurse, Ms. Jones recognized her own calling; she began her career as a nurse, and as she advanced in her profession, she garnered a Nursing Excellence Award from the Visiting Nurses Association and went on to complete a master's degree in nursing systems management at her alma mater; she served as chief nursing officer of a hospital before becoming CEO at Kindred Hospital El Paso; and WHEREAS, America Jones has distinguished herself through her contributions to health care and her commitment to inclusivity in the workplace, and her accomplishments are a source of inspiration to all who are privileged to know her; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate America Jones on being named to the 2021 list of Latino Leaders Worth Watching by Profiles in Diversity Journal 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. Jones as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Ordaz Perez ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 66 was adopted by the House on October 14, 2021, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House