WHEREAS, James D. Campbell, who has served with great distinction as executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties since 1990 and has led the organization as it became a leading advocate for the 95 counties in the Commonwealth, will retire on June 30, 2016; and

WHEREAS, when James "Jim" Campbell was named executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo) in 1990, one of his chief goals was to increase the visibility of the association; he excelled in developing VACo's prominent role in legislative and municipal affairs; and

WHEREAS, Jim Campbell, who has been executive director of VACo for 25 years, supervised the association's implementation of key financial, educational, and membership programs that have benefited county governments throughout the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Jim Campbell is the longest-serving executive director in VACo's 81-year history; he has inspired many local government officials and has been a tireless leader, protector, and promoter of county interests; and

WHEREAS, under Jim Campbell's leadership, VACo has helped to guide legislation regarding taxation, finance issues, and important policy matters affecting counties in the Commonwealth; he successfully urged counties to work together for their mutual benefit, and today, every county in the Commonwealth is a member of VACo; and

WHEREAS, in addition to positioning VACo as an effective representative for local governments, Jim Campbell developed innovative initiatives that help counties save money on risk management and insurance and earn higher rates of return on investments earmarked for employee benefits and reserve funds; and

WHEREAS, one of Jim Campbell's major achievements was overseeing the establishment of a permanent headquarters for VACo; the association purchased and renovated an historic building on East Main Street in Richmond; and

WHEREAS, Jim Campbell and the members of VACo wanted to preserve the building's historical significance and make it an environmentally friendly structure; when the VACo headquarters opened in 2009, it was awarded a gold Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification for its energy conservation measures and "green" design; and

WHEREAS, Jim Campbell, known for his positive management style and sense of humor, is a strong supporter of VACo employees' professional growth and innovation; he is admired as a mentor and for showing respect to all with whom he worked; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That James D. Campbell, executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties, hereby be commended for his inspiring leadership and many accomplishments on the occasion of his retirement in 2016; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James D. Campbell as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect and admiration for his dedicated work and tireless efforts on behalf of the 95 counties in the Commonwealth and best wishes in retirement.