Bill Text: VA HJR970 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of William G. O'Brien.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-23 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ970ER) [HJR970 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HJR970-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, William G. O'Brien of Port Republic, a respected public servant who provided able leadership to Rockingham County as county administrator and strengthened communities throughout the Commonwealth as a member of the Virginia Resources Authority, died on February 7, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a native of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, William "Bill' G. O'Brien served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Marine Corps; after his honorable military service, he earned a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree from Southeastern University; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Brien began his career in local government as county administrator for Warren County, then became county administrator of Rockingham County in 1977; throughout his career, he earned respect and admiration for his ability to hear and understand the many different viewpoints of county residents and officials; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Brien oversaw Rockingham County's growth from a rural to a suburban community, and he made significant enhancements to education, public utilities and facilities, and economic development, ensuring a strong future for the county and its residents; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Brien worked with other local and regional leaders to develop innovative joint programs related to social services, emergency communications, and public health; after his well-earned retirement from Rockingham County, he served as an interim county administrator or town manager for the Counties of Bath and Lunenburg and the Towns of Dayton, Front Royal, and Timberville; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1987, Bill O'Brien further served the Commonwealth as a member of the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) Board of Directors and was appointed as chair by four Virginia governors; as chair of the VRA, he provided efficient and effective leadership and strengthened the Commonwealth's infrastructure by overseeing more than $7.5 billion in investments to more than 1,500 local government projects; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Brien earned numerous awards and accolades for his good work, including the prestigious Jefferson Cup Award from the Virginia Association of Counties, and he was named as a lifetime member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association; and
WHEREAS, Bill O'Brien will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife, Jeanie; children, Kara, Kyle, and Shannon, and their families; and numerous family members and friends; 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 William G. O'Brien, the longtime county administrator of Rockingham County who made lasting contributions to communities around the Commonwealth; 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 William G. O'Brien as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
