SR507 - Recognizing Lance Simmons on the occasion of his retirement.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 507          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to   recognize Lance Simmons on the occasion of his retirement as   chief engineer of the Texas Department of Transportation after a   distinguished 32-year career; and          WHEREAS, In 1993, Lance Simmons earned a bachelor's degree   in civil engineering as a Terry Scholar at Texas A&M University,   and after graduating, he embarked on his impressive career with   the Texas Department of Transportation in the Atlanta District   Design Office; throughout the following three decades, he served   in numerous key roles, including as a bridge and special projects   engineer, director of operations, and district engineer of the   Bryan District; and          WHEREAS, In 2021, Mr. Simmons moved to Austin to assume the   role of director of Engineering and Safety Operations, and he was   appointed chief engineer in 2022; his astute leadership has been   instrumental in creating a culture of safety and improving the   department's overall communication and stewardship; and          WHEREAS, Mr. Simmons led the department to record highs in   project lettings, construction volumes, and pavement scores in   2024, and his dedicated service to the State of Texas was   recognized with the 2014 Luther DeBerry Award; his management of   the department and its operations during emergencies has   contributed to the collective strength of all its employees and   to the safety of drivers on Texas highways; and          WHEREAS, Respected and admired by his colleagues in the   department, Lance Simmons leaves behind an enduring legacy   defined by the relationships he has cultivated and by the high   standards he has upheld for the Texas Department of   Transportation; as he looks ahead to enjoying his retirement   alongside his wife Deanne, a fellow Texas Department of   Transportation retiree, it is indeed fitting that he receive   special recognition for his outstanding contributions to the   Texas Department of Transportation and to the people of the Lone   Star State; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby commend Lance Simmons on his exemplary   career with the Texas Department of Transportation and extend to   him congratulations on his retirement and best wishes for the   future; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for   him as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.     Nichols                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on May 12, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate