House Concurrent Resolution 69

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. WENDELL A. SIMPSON FOR EXCELLENT MANAGEMENT IN SUPERVISING THE COMPLETION OF THE NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY.

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi gained an excellent asset in 1997 when Mr. Wendell A. Simpson became Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure, the 67-year journey to construct the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway was completed; and

WHEREAS, education, experience and dedication were key factors of Mr. Simpson's management style which led to effective completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway; and

WHEREAS, his education was received while attending Langston University, Central State University, Oklahoma University, Boston State College and Clark College (Clark Atlanta University); and

WHEREAS, he acquired intensive management education in the Carnegie Mellon Senior Executive Seminar, Harvard University's Senior Executive Fellows Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Excellence in Leadership Seminar at the Disney Institute in Orlando, Florida; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Simpson's professional experience began as a Life Underwriter with Travelers Insurance Company in Oklahoma City in 1968 and went on two years later to become special assistant to the Governor of Oklahoma as liaison for the State Office of Economic Opportunity; and

WHEREAS, his career in federal government began in 1976 with the Department of Commerce where he worked as a public works specialist; and

WHEREAS, participation in the Senior Management Program with the National Park Service would serve as the stepping stone he used to begin his cultivation in management; and

WHEREAS, after completing the management program, he served as Urban Affairs Officer for the North Atlantic Region and was responsible for coordinating activities with urban parks such as Boston National Historical Park, Adams National Historical Park, Gateway, the Manhattan Site, Statue of Liberty and Fire Island; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Simpson has a long history of managing other large projects such as Deputy Superintendent at Boston National Historical Park, project manager for the construction of a $3,000,000.00 dormitory facility, Director of Gateway Job Corps, Deputy Superintendent of Boston National Historical Park and Superintendent of Canaveral National Seashore; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend those who have been an asset to vital projects within the state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend Mr. Wendell A. Simpson for excellent management in supervising the completion of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Wendell A. Simpson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.