WHEREAS, for more than four decades, Margaret Neimann provided her expertise and visionary insights to the Virginia Department of Transportation, touching the lives of countless Virginians through her outstanding contributions to the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Neimann grew up in Fredericksburg and joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) immediately after graduating from what is now Mary Washington University in May 1978; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Neimann rose through the ranks to ultimately become a senior architectural engineer and a trusted source of institutional knowledge who oversaw important projects throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, over the course of her career, Margaret Neimann trained 12 resident engineers, three project engineers, and five land use directors, all of whom went on to achieve success in the public or private sectors; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Neimann was one of only three female inspector trainees at VDOT when she joined the agency, and she inspired many other women to pursue leadership opportunities in VDOT and through other forms of public service, including her daughter, who became a decorated officer in the Florida Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Neimann earned multiple employee of the year awards from VDOT in 1987 and was nominated for a customer service award in 1995; and

WHEREAS, Margaret Neimann was honored by Governor George Allen for her exceptional dedication to continuity of service during the blizzard of 1996, when she worked for eight consecutive days, sleeping on a bench near her desk so she could answer phone and radio calls; and

WHEREAS, outside of her career, Margaret Neimann volunteered her time and leadership with the Fredericksburg Chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., which provides support to families with children on active duty military service; she is also an avid quilter who enjoys making commemorative quilts for family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That Margaret Neimann hereby be commended for her contributions to the Commonwealth on the occasion of her retirement from the Virginia Department of Transportation; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Margaret Neimann as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for her personal and professional achievements.