H.R. No. 532
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The retirement of Marise McDermott as president and
CEO of the Witte Museum in San Antonio on December 31, 2023, offers
a fitting opportunity to reflect on her outstanding record of
achievement; and
WHEREAS, Ms. McDermott assumed leadership of the Witte Museum
in 2004 after serving as the inaugural director of its Humanities
Center for a decade; under her guidance, the museum has experienced
considerable growth in attendance, and its campus underwent a $100
million expansion that contributed to the revitalization of the
Broadway Corridor; she also oversaw the renovation to the main
building, which has since been the site of numerous science,
nature, and culture exhibits and events, including the annual
Fiesta coronation gown shows, a major survey of Texas painting and
sculpture, and the Black Cowboys: An American Story exhibition; and
WHEREAS, Before joining the Witte Museum, Ms. McDermott
enjoyed a successful career in journalism, working for the San
Angelo Standard-Times, the Austin American-Statesman, and the San
Antonio Light; following her retirement, she will become the Witte
president emeritus, helping with the leadership transition as well
as the museum's 100th anniversary activities; and
WHEREAS, Highly respected by her peers, Ms. McDermott has
served as chair of the American Alliance of Museums Accreditation
Commission; she has further given of her time and talents through
leadership roles with the San Antonio Convention and Visitors
Bureau, the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival, and the Alamo
Plaza Advisory Committee; over the years, she has received numerous
accolades, including the Jack Nokes Outstanding Service Award from
the Texas Association of Museums, the Business Person of the Year
award from the San Antonio Business Journal, and the Texas Patriot
Award from the Daughters of the Republic of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Admired for her commitment to expanding access to
the cultural, natural, and historical heritage of Texas, Marise
McDermott has made significant contributions to advancing the
mission of the Witte Museum, and she may indeed reflect with pride
on a career well spent as she embarks on the next exciting chapter
of her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Marise McDermott on her retirement
as president and CEO of the Witte Museum 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 Ms. McDermott as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Garcia of Bexar
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 532 was adopted by the House on March
31, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House