Bill Text: VA HJR317 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending William B. Downey.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-03-06 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ317ER) [HJR317 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HJR317-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, William B. Downey is a faithful and dedicated health care and community leader who devoted more than 40 years to improving health care in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, in his early years, William Downey earned a bachelor's degree from James Madison University and a master's degree in health administration from the Medical College of Virginia campus of Virginia Commonwealth University; and
WHEREAS, William Downey first joined Riverside Health System in 1981 as an administrative extern, and after completing his graduate degree he returned to Riverside in 1985 and held numerous executive roles until 1995, when he left to become president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem, then CEO of Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in Hudson, Florida; and
WHEREAS, William Downey returned again to Riverside in 2001, then became president and CEO in 2012, and executive vice chair and special advisor to the board in 2023, with plans to retire in January 2025; and
WHEREAS, under William Downey's steady leadership, Riverside completed several major capital projects, including a $90 million expansion of its flagship Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, a $50 million renovation and expansion of Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, the construction of a replacement hospital for Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital on Virginia's Eastern Shore, a $35 million expansion at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg, and significant growth of Riverside Medical Group to more than 700 providers; and
WHEREAS, William Downey guided Riverside through the COVID-19 pandemic and also helped to steer a collective regional and Commonwealth-wide coordinated mobilization that was instrumental to the effective response to the historic public health crisis; and
WHEREAS, William Downey has been a valued servant and leader in numerous community organizations over the years, including as a board member of Christopher Newport University, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Inc., and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Authority; and
WHEREAS, William Downey is past chair of the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, the Virginia Living Museum, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Hampton Roads Business Roundtable, the Virginia Business Council, TowneBank - Peninsula, An Achievable Dream, and Greater Peninsula Now; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of William Downey's leadership and dedication to improving the community, he has received numerous accolades, including recognition at the 50th Annual Peninsula Humanitarian Awards presented by the Peninsula Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities for his commitment to promoting respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in the Peninsula community; the Community Builders award from the Hampton Roads Community Action Program in recognition of his positive impact on the Hampton Roads Region; and the Lifetime Service and Achievement Award from the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Health Administration; and
WHEREAS, William Downey was further honored by the Urban League of Hampton Roads with its Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders Award, by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce with its Citizen of the Year award, and by Virginia Business magazine, which named him to the Virginia 500 Power List and as one of its 50 Most Influential Virginians; and
WHEREAS, William Downey embodies the values of a Virginia gentleman and has earned the respect and esteem of countless Virginians; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend William B. Downey for his exemplary career as a health care and community leader on the occasion of his retirement; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William B. Downey as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the Commonwealth and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.
