2025 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 344
Commending Elizabeth Carlson Hilscher.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 6, 2025
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 10, 2025
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Carlson Hilscher served the Commonwealth with distinction as a member of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services for eight years; and
WHEREAS, Elizabeth Beth Hilscher spent much of her career as an interior designer and was the owner of E.C. Hilscher Design, which provided commercial and residential design services to the Woodville area from 1987 to 2004; and
WHEREAS, after the tragic death of her daughter, Emily, during the mass shooting at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in April 2007, Beth Hilscher became a staunch advocate for improved mental health services for children and young adults at the state and federal levels; and
WHEREAS, Beth Hilscher worked closely with organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness and Voices for Virginia's Children to support programs and policies that help keep schools safer and provide resources for students in need; and
WHEREAS, in 2016, Beth Hilscher was appointed by Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve on the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, where she worked diligently to ensure that the Commonwealth's mental health support systems were as responsive and effective as possible; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure on the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Beth Hilscher served as vice chair from July 11, 2018, to July 15, 2020, and as chair from July 15, 2020, to June 30, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Beth Hilscher served the Commonwealth with the utmost integrity and dedication, and her unwavering commitment to improving statewide behavioral health and developmental services was an inspiration to her colleagues and stakeholders; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Elizabeth Carlson Hilscher for her service as a member of the State Board of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Elizabeth Carlson Hilscher as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for her exemplary leadership and legacy of achievements.