Bill Text: VA HJR281 | 2022 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Thomas Francis Farrell II.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 18-9)
Status: (Passed) 2022-03-03 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ281ER) [HJR281 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HJR281-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, Thomas Francis Farrell II, the former chief executive officer of Dominion Energy who had a transformative impact on the Commonwealth through his support for economic growth, education, cultural institutions, and the arts, died on April 2, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Thomas "Tom" Francis Farrell II was born to a military family in Okinawa, Japan, and spent much of his early life traveling throughout the United States; he ultimately graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, then earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of Virginia; and
WHEREAS, after completing his education, Tom Farrell pursued a 15-year career as a litigator with firms in Alexandria and Richmond; in 1995, he accepted a leave of absence from the firm McGuireWoods to temporarily work on a project at Dominion Energy, but ultimately stayed with the energy company for the next 25 years; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell served as Dominion Energy's general counsel, then became chief executive officer in 2006; he retired in 2021 as chair of the executive board, having guided the company through periods of significant growth and transformation, as well as changes and challenges in the utilities industry; and
WHEREAS, with his proactive leadership, business acumen, keen insights, and commitment to employee safety, Tom Farrell earned a reputation for excellence and was a trusted mentor and friend to countless individuals throughout the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell directed Dominion Energy to become an industry leader in renewable sources of energy, investing in electricity production from offshore wind farms and launching initiatives to reduce the company's emission of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in electricity generation to zero by 2045; and
WHEREAS, during Tom Farrell's tenure as the head of Dominion Energy, the company donated more than $400 million to philanthropic causes and placed a high emphasis on community and volunteer service; he focused on supporting the nation's veterans, with one in five new hires at Dominion Energy now having served in the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell chaired the Edison Electric Institute, a national organization representing investor-owned electric groups, and was a longtime member and former chair of both the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations and the Altria Group; outside of his professional career, he supported art and cultural institutions as chair of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, board chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and a member of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell worked diligently to restore and enhance two performing arts venues in Richmond, the Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center, and played a critical role in Richmond's selection as host of the 2015 UCI Road World Championship cycling race; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell offered his leadership and expertise to the Virginia Business Council, the Virginia Business Higher Education Council, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the GO Virginia board; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell remained a proud alumnus of the University of Virginia throughout his life; he participated in strategic planning and searches for university presidents, served on the Board of Visitors, and was elected as the 41st rector of the institution; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell was an avid golfer who relished every opportunity to enjoy the sport, particularly at his annual family golf tournament, the Lang Cup; he helped bring the PGA Tour Champions series back to Richmond through the annual Dominion Energy Charity Classic, which has raised millions of dollars to support military families; and
WHEREAS, Tom Farrell will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Anne; his sons, Peter and Stuart, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Thomas Francis Farrell II, a former executive of Dominion Energy who touched countless lives through his philanthropic and civic leadership; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Thomas Francis Farrell II as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
