House Concurrent Resolution 47

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED AND EXCEPTIONALLY LAUDABLE SERVICE OF MR. RYAN MILLER PROVIDED TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (ACCELERATEMS).

WHEREAS, since April 2021, the State of Mississippi's workforce has been on a trajectory of success in the creation of innovative workforce development strategy and implementation, under the astute leadership and refined expertise of Mr. Ryan Miller, who was appointed by the State Workforce Investment Board's (SWIB) Executive Committee as the first Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Development (AccelerateMS); and

WHEREAS, a native Mississippian and strong operations professional, Mr. Miller, who holds an undergraduate degree in International Studies from the Croft Institute for International Studies and a law degree from the University of Mississippi, will relinquish the reins as the Executive Director of AccelerateMS, the state's brainchild responsible for enhancing and cultivating workforce opportunities, to assume the post as CEO of the Oxford Lafayette Economic Development Foundation; and

WHEREAS, immediately prior to his appointment to steer AccelerateMS, Ryan had devoted 13 years within the Haley Barbour Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME), preparing students for successful careers in Mississippi's advanced industries by building working coalitions with the state community college system, state and federal legislative delegations and economic development agencies as he positioned the CME to increase its service to industry and students; and

WHEREAS, once at the helm of AccelerateMS, Mr. Miller immediately went to work assembling a team of highly skilled professionals who shared his vision and passion of moving the economic needle for Mississippi's communities and households by directing more Mississippians into higher-paying opportunities and training more people to meet the workforce demands of businesses in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, under his direction, AccelerateMS has endeavored to steadily strive towards accomplishing its vision of boasting a world-class workforce with unlimited, quality career opportunities to create sustained individual, community and statewide economic prosperity through the fulfilment of its mission to serve the people and businesses of Mississippi by developing and deploying workforce strategies by leveraging resources and partnering with organizations that hold complementary missions; and

WHEREAS, through its highly-devised ecosystem approach to developing and improving strategies that meet the unique needs of specific regions within the state, Mr. Miller's background in workforce development, project management and organization building has allowed him to champion program initiatives within the agency which seek to maximize proven practices delivered at local "micro" levels, while addressing "macro" concerns of the state's workforce community; and

WHEREAS, while we are saddened by Mr. Miller's departure, we are eternally grateful for the exceptional leadership and service he provided to the State of Mississippi as its ambassador for workforce advancement, and remain confident of our continued working relationship with him as he undertakes the next chapter of improving workforce opportunities for the citizens of Lafayette County, who are gaining an extraordinary individual to transform the landscape of the community's economic development, along with his wife, Erin F. Miller, and their children, Shirley Cate, Grace and Max; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the exemplary leadership, service and contributions of extraordinary individuals of Mr. Miller's caliber, whose experience, professional and commitment to success are the driving force behind the state's economic prosperity and revitalizing of its images as a premier destination for business entities to establish their place of operation:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the distinguished and exceptionally laudable service of Mr. Ryan Miller as Executive Director of the Office of Workforce Development (AccelerateMS), express our gratitude for the great strides made to advance Mississippi's presence known on the world stage, not only as a competitor, but as a leader in workforce development strategies; and extend best wishes for continued success in a new endeavor as CEO of the Oxford Lafayette Economic Development Foundation.

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