WHEREAS, John Porter, a staunch advocate for the Alexandria community, retired as president and chief executive officer of ACT for Alexandria on December 31, 2017; and

WHEREAS, an experienced educator and school administrator, John Porter guided and inspired students at T. C. Williams High School for 27 years, including 22 years as principal; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, John Porter played a critical role in the formation of ACT for Alexandria, originally known as Alexandria Community Trust, which seeks to increase the strategic impact of philanthropy in the city by working with residents, nonprofits, and local government to identify areas of need and connect donors with causes about which they are passionate; and

WHEREAS, as a founding board member, John Porter played a crucial role in helping ACT for Alexandria become an integral part of the community, and in 2009, he retired as assistant superintendent of Alexandria City Public Schools to become executive director of the nonprofit organization; and

WHEREAS, under John Porter's leadership, ACT for Alexandria has had a significant impact on the quality of life in Alexandria through grants, programs, and special events to support a wide range of worthy causes; and

WHEREAS, John Porter received numerous awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career, including the Marian Van Landingham Lifetime Achievement Award from Volunteer Alexandria; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That John Porter hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement in 2017 as president and chief executive officer of ACT for Alexandria; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to John Porter as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his exceptional philanthropic leadership.