88R32553 BPG-D
By: Craddick H.C.R. No. 122
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Don Ward is retiring as founding executive director
of the One-Call Board of Texas following 26 years of distinguished
service in that role; and
WHEREAS, The One-Call Board of Texas, formally known as the
Texas Underground Facility Notification Corporation, was created
to implement and oversee the statewide "One-Call" excavation
notification system, established in 1997 through passage of the
Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act; also known
as the 811 Call Before You Dig Act, this legislation protects Texans
when excavations are done near utility lines by requiring utilities
to mark their facilities and obliging excavators to call 811 before
they begin their work; and
WHEREAS, Don Ward has served as executive director since the
inception of the One-Call Board; throughout his tenure, he has
worked diligently and effectively with its governor-appointed
members, utilities, and notification centers to ensure the safety
of the public; and
WHEREAS, A native of Bryan, Mr. Ward grew up in Houston and
graduated from Lamar High School; he transferred from Texas A&M
University to Sam Houston State University to pursue his rodeo
career in bull riding, and he was eventually inducted into the Texas
Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame; for his graduate studies, he returned to
Texas A&M; and
WHEREAS, In 1980, Mr. Ward was recruited by the Brazos County
district judge to serve as an aide and driver for Senator Bill
Moore's campaign; the following year, he joined the Legislative
Budget Board as a budget examiner; he went on to work in public
policy advocacy for a number of associations, among them the Texas
Good Roads Association, the Texas Veterinary Medical Association,
and the Texas Pest Control Association; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Ward benefits from the
love and support of his wife, Leslie Ward; they are the proud
parents of three children, and he plans to spend his retirement on
their ranch enjoying the company of his 10 grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Through his longstanding commitment to the vital
mission of the One-Call Board, Don Ward has contributed
significantly to the safety and well-being of his fellow Texans,
and as he embarks on the next exciting chapter of his life, he may
indeed reflect with pride on his accomplishments; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby congratulate Don Ward on his retirement as executive
director of the One-Call Board of Texas and extend to him sincere
best wishes for continued happiness; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ward as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives and Senate.