TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE MAYOR VIOLA ALEXANDER LYLES FOR HER VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO SERVE AS MAYOR OF CHARLOTTE.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Mayor Viola Alexander Lyles for her visionary leadership and dedication to fostering a strong community in Charlotte; and
Whereas, Mayor Lyles is a professionally trained facilitator and executive coach, having completed programs at the Harvard Institute of Government, North Carolina State University, and the Lee Institute's American Leadership Forum; and
Whereas, Mayor Lyles began her nearly thirty-year career with the City of Charlotte as an analyst in the city's budget department, later becoming budget director. She also served as assistant city manager from 1996 to 2004. Known as a champion for all neighborhoods, she lead the development of community programs that have significantly enhanced the quality of life for historically underrepresented populations in Charlotte, including a community safety plan, an affordable housing plan, and Mecklenburg County's Minority and Women's Business Enterprise Program; and
Whereas, after retiring from this role with the city, she has served as consulting director with both the Lee Institute and Flynn Heath Holt Leadership, leading corporate and not-for-profit governmental organizations in leadership, strategic planning, and project implementation. She has also served as startup director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Coalition for Housing and director of community outreach for the Democratic National Convention Host Committee; and
Whereas, since 2012, she has served two consecutive terms on Charlotte City Council. In her tenure on the city council, she has served as Mayor Pro-Tem, chair of the Transportation and Planning Committee, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee, a member of the Budget Committee, and the Charlotte Representative on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Centralina Freight Mobility Committee; and
Whereas, Mayor Lyles was sworn in as mayor on December 4, 2017. She is known for collaboration, leadership, and her commitment to making Charlotte a better place to live, work, and raise a family; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are grateful for Mayor Lyles' strength and dedication in paving the way for African American women in this State and nation. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Mayor Viola Alexander Lyles for her valuable contributions as the first African-American woman to serve as mayor of Charlotte.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mayor Viola Alexander Lyles.