MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Burton, Harkins, Barnett, Caughman, Fillingane, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Kirby, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Stone
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE DEDICATED PUBLIC SERVICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES RICHARD (RICKEY) A. BERRY ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.
WHEREAS, the career of Mississippi Department of Human Services' Executive Director Rickey Berry has been a wonderful example for public servants; and
WHEREAS, Rickey Berry served eight years with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission, there eight years in Human Resources in the private sector, followed by a total of 25 years with the Mississippi Department of Human Services serving in various capacities including Personnel Officer, Director of the JOBS Program and Director of Resources Development, and eight years as Deputy Administrator for Programs, before assuming the position as Executive Director; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Berry has stated that his greatest reward is when the system works and DHS guides, assists or influences its customers so that they can experience the positive elements of life. Reuniting families, helping a young mother obtain her first job or earn a degree, having a noncustodial parent become active in their children's life all give tremendous joy. "If seeing a sibling group or older child being adopted and having a real family does not bring tears to your eyes, you are in the wrong business. There are rewards every day that far outweigh the daily hassles and bureaucracy that we all experience;" and
WHEREAS, Mr. Berry has been involved in many new and innovative projects. Mississippi has had the highest TANF Work Program Participation Rate in the nation the past two years. He has been part of the team that designed the program in the early nineties. It is truly a testament to the people at MDHS that a state with limited resources can perform at such a high level. Knowing that many of the people DHS once served are now productive citizens who no longer depend on the system is a proud accomplishment. Through innovation and technological advances, MDHS has been able to handle an almost 50% increase in SNAP caseloads without hiring any additional staff while maintaining the integrity of the program. Payment accuracy rate is one of the nation's best which has resulted in incentive payments from FNS which are reinvested into the system to make it even more productive and efficient; and
WHEREAS, Rickey's choice to serve our citizens in the human services arena brought rewards every day. Not many people can drive home from their jobs each day knowing that their organization has touched the lives of one out of every four citizens in our state; and
WHEREAS, he has developed resources to nurture and strengthen families which will result in a better prepared workforce so that the state can pursue the economic opportunities that are lacking in some of our communities; and
WHEREAS, Rickey is devoted to his family and he and his wife of 43 years have two children and five wonderful grandchildren of whom they are extremely proud; and it is with great pride that we commend this record of achievement and legacy of leadership and dedication to all families and children in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend the dedicated public service of Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services Richard (Rickey) A. Berry on the occasion of his retirement, and thank Rickey's family for sharing him with the State of Mississippi for many years.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Rickey Berry and his family, forwarded to the Governor, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.