TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND KATRINA SPROTT RILEY OF SUMMERVILLE FOR HER OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE TO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, for many years, the South Carolina House of Representatives enjoyed the benefit of the dedication and experience of Katrina Sprott Riley, who on September 29, 2017, retired after a career of outstanding public service as legislative aide to Representative James Smith; and
Whereas, born into an Army family, Katrina Sprott Riley, the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel John Edward Riley, Sr., and Kathryn Sprott Riley, entered this world at Tokyo General Hospital in Japan. Her father's career in the Army took the family to many places over the years. A bright student who loved to read, Katrina studied at numerous establishments during this time, such as Orleans School in France, Cathedral School in Charleston, and a school in Tidewater, Virginia. When her father retired from the military and took a position in Columbia, Katrina attended, and graduated from, Dreher High School. In furtherance of her education, she graduated in 1971 from Converse College in Spartanburg with a bachelor's degree in political science and government; and
Whereas, in her student days, Katrina spent many happy summers and weekends at the Isle of Palms with a number of aunts whom the family lovingly referred to as "the girls." In more recent years, when visiting the Lowcountry (which she now calls home), Katrina has enjoyed spending time with her brother and sister-in-law, John Riley, Jr., and Judy H. Riley; their children, Elizabeth and John E. Riley III; and her cousins. She has a keen interest in her family's genealogy and has spent a great deal of time helping to compile family history. During her years at the State House, her large circle of Columbia friends kept her busy with volunteer and social events; and
Whereas, Katrina gained her first professional experiences while employed at South Carolina National Bank in Columbia. She was a vital member of the Training Department of the Personnel Division, where she trained new employees and emerging management-level personnel to prepare them for a career in business and banking. She used her talents to serve one other bank in Columbia before joining the Human Resources Division of Hanes Corporation. Her employment with Hanes transferred her to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and later to Jacksonville, Florida, where she continued to train management-level personnel for the corporation; and
Whereas, when Katrina decided to return to Columbia, she worked as a business development specialist for professional companies, including Richardson Plowden & Robinson and the Benefit Company, Inc., where she used her expertise in human resources before retiring from the private sector. Through the years, Katrina frequently volunteered with political campaigns, including that of her cousin Joe Riley when he ran for Governor of this great State. After retirement from the private sector, Katrina agreed to serve her State in the office of Representative James Smith by helping his constituents track down and solve issues of frequent concern; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives is grateful for the legacy of consistent commitment and excellence Katrina Sprott Riley has bestowed on the people of South Carolina. Her many friends in this body take great pleasure in wishing her all the best in her retirement, and the members trust she will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and commend Katrina Sprott Riley of Summerville for her outstanding public service to the people of South Carolina.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Katrina Sprott Riley.