SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 51

(By Senators D. Hall, Stollings and Ferns)

Honoring Nancy Stuart Tonkin for her dedicated public service and many contributions to the citizens of West Virginia.

Whereas, NancyStuart Tonkin was born in Harrison County, West Virginia, and graduated from Washington IrvingHigh School and West Virginia University, with a master’s degreein social work; and

Whereas, NancyStuart Tonkin has dedicated the past thirty-five years of her life advocating for women, children and families; and

Whereas, NancyStuart Tonkin began her careerin public servicewhen she served as a head page in the West Virginia Legislature; and

Whereas, NancyStuart Tonkin continued her public servicebyearning leadership positions with the Community Council of Kanawha Valley, the West Virginia Hospital Association and as founder and president of the Tonkin Management Group; and

Whereas, Nancy Stuart Tonkin served as the first executive director of the West Virginia Human Resources Association and as communications director for the West Virginia HealthyKids Coalition when the West Virginia Children’s Health Insurance Program (WVCHIP) was first formed; and

Whereas, Duringher time at the West Virginia HealthyKids Coalition, NancyStuart Tonkin implemented a successful grassroots and communication plan, which resulted in over 20,000 children being enrolled in WVCHIP; and

Whereas,NancyStuart Tonkin, while at the WV Hospital Association, establishedHOSNET, a grassroots organization of hospital staff and volunteers for legislative action, and developed community educational programs; and

Whereas, During the course of her career, Nancy Stuart Tonkin has exemplified the ingredients of being a successful advocate through her passion, leadership, coalition building, strategic thinking and perseverance at the State Capitol, earning her a reputation as a trusted source on rural health and children welfare issues and resulting in numerous policy victories for women, children and families throughout the state of West Virginia; and

Whereas, Nancy Stuart Tonkin has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Home Societyof West Virginia and currentlyserves on the YWCA Charleston Board as the chair of public policy; and

Whereas, NancyStuart Tonkin was in the first graduating class of Leadership West Virginia and has given her time and talent to volunteering for many civic and nonprofit organizations; and Whereas, In addition to advocating for children, women, and families throughout West Virginia, Nancy Stuart Tonkin has taken the time to mentor other advocates as they learn the legislative process; and

Whereas, Nancy Stuart Tonkin is a model for honesty, integrity and moral virtue, and a shining example to all West Virginians of what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication and spirit; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate:

That the Senate hereby honors Nancy Stuart Tonkin for her dedicated public service and many contributions to the citizens of West Virginia; and, be it

1                      Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to

2          Nancy Stuart Tonkin.