House Resolution 23

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MS. JOY MILAM OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION UPON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT AFTER 27 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND PUBLIC EDUCATION.

WHEREAS, Ms. Joy Milam, Senior Assistant to the State Superintendent of Public Education, is retiring after 27 years of effective and dedicated public service to the State of Mississippi, with ten of those years loyally served at the State Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, well known and respected around the State Capitol, Ms. Milam, responsible for the Office of Information and Legislative Support, worked with the Legislature on the department's general education bills for all public elementary and secondary schools; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Milam's duties also included providing oversight of the State Department of Education's internal and external communications, including communications with the media and general public; and

WHEREAS, before progressing into her most current leadership position within the State Department of Education, Joy Milam served as the Director of Communications and Legislative Services and as Assistant to the State Superintendent of Public Education; and

WHEREAS, working in employment and training programs for over 17 years under the administration of five governors, Ms. Milam ably served the State of Mississippi before her years at the State Department of Education by providing leadership in policy development, oversight and management of federal programs, contracts and grants and serving as Special Assistant for Work Force Literacy for former Governor Ray Mabus and as Director of the Department of Job Development and Training; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize such an outstanding state employee as Ms. Joy Milam, whose selfless dedication to public education over her many years of tireless service is a source of honor and great pride to her colleagues and countless friends throughout the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Ms. Joy Milam of the State Department of Education for her exceptional service, dedication and commitment to public education and extend to her our heartiest congratulations and best wishes upon her retirement after 27 years of loyal state service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Ms. Joy Milam, the State Superintendent of Public Education, the State Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.