SJ257: Commending Lisa C. Merkel.
WHEREAS, Lisa C. Merkel, a dedicated public servant and the first female elected mayor of the Town of Herndon, has served the community in various capacities for more than a decade; and
WHEREAS, a native of Alabama, Lisa Merkel is a graduate of Auburn University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; she has lived in Northern Virginia since 1996 and moved to historic downtown Herndon, where she and her husband, Dave, have lived and raised their children since 2002; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Merkel became an active member of the Herndon community, joining the Herndon Home Tours Committee and offering her leadership to many other local organizations, such as the Citizen’s Planning Academy, the Downtown Master Plan Citizens Advisory Group, and the Ladies’ Brunch; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to her fellow residents, Lisa Merkel ran for election to the Herndon Town Council and served as vice mayor from 2010 to 2012; and
WHEREAS, after her historic election as mayor in 2012, Lisa Merkel focused on maintaining the unique spirit and character of Herndon, balancing the need for new development with the preservation of its small town charms; and
WHEREAS, among her many accomplishments, Lisa Merkel designated June as LGBTQ Pride Month, introduced circulator buses to Herndon Station, implemented online access to Herndon Town Council meetings, established the town’s Economic Development Department, and placed a renewed focus on the revitalization of downtown Herndon, as well as planning for the Metro’s arrival; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as mayor, Lisa Merkel built strong relationships with neighboring localities to pursue common goals and represented Herndon on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s Planning Commission Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, prior to her public service in Herndon, Lisa Merkel previously worked as an elementary school teacher and was selected by Governor Mark Warner to serve on the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools initiative, through which she provided language arts professional development opportunities for other teachers and staff; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Merkel has served the residents of Herndon with integrity, dedication, and distinction, and her efforts have ensured that the town continues to feel like home for longtime residents and welcoming to new members of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Lisa C. Merkel for her 10 years of service as vice mayor and mayor of the Town of Herndon; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lisa C. Merkel as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her visionary leadership and exceptional contributions to the Herndon community.
WHEREAS, Lisa C. Merkel, a dedicated public servant and the first female elected mayor of the Town of Herndon, has served the community in various capacities for more than a decade; and
WHEREAS, a native of Alabama, Lisa Merkel is a graduate of Auburn University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; she has lived in Northern Virginia since 1996 and moved to historic downtown Herndon, where she and her husband, Dave, have lived and raised their children since 2002; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Merkel became an active member of the Herndon community, joining the Herndon Home Tours Committee and offering her leadership to many other local organizations, such as the Citizen’s Planning Academy, the Downtown Master Plan Citizens Advisory Group, and the Ladies’ Brunch; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to her fellow residents, Lisa Merkel ran for election to the Herndon Town Council and served as vice mayor from 2010 to 2012; and
WHEREAS, after her historic election as mayor in 2012, Lisa Merkel focused on maintaining the unique spirit and character of Herndon, balancing the need for new development with the preservation of its small town charms; and
WHEREAS, among her many accomplishments, Lisa Merkel designated June as LGBTQ Pride Month, introduced circulator buses to Herndon Station, implemented online access to Herndon Town Council meetings, established the town’s Economic Development Department, and placed a renewed focus on the revitalization of downtown Herndon, as well as planning for the Metro’s arrival; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as mayor, Lisa Merkel built strong relationships with neighboring localities to pursue common goals and represented Herndon on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s Planning Commission Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, prior to her public service in Herndon, Lisa Merkel previously worked as an elementary school teacher and was selected by Governor Mark Warner to serve on the Partnership for Achieving Successful Schools initiative, through which she provided language arts professional development opportunities for other teachers and staff; and
WHEREAS, Lisa Merkel has served the residents of Herndon with integrity, dedication, and distinction, and her efforts have ensured that the town continues to feel like home for longtime residents and welcoming to new members of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Lisa C. Merkel for her 10 years of service as vice mayor and mayor of the Town of Herndon; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Lisa C. Merkel as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for her visionary leadership and exceptional contributions to the Herndon community.