HR522
194108-1
By Representative Sanderford
RFD:
First Read: 29-MAR-18
194108-1:n:03/29/2018:AR/ar LSA2018-1575
COMMENDING BRYAN DODSON FOR OUTSTANDING PROFESSIONAL
ACHIEVEMENT.
WHEREAS, highest commendations and congratulations
are herein proudly presented to Bryan Dodson for outstanding
professional achievement on the occasion of his retirement as
CEO and President of the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation;
and
WHEREAS, Mr. Dodson has dedicated his entire career
to making life better for thousands of citizens with
disabilities by enabling those who needed help the most to
gain independence through employment; and
WHEREAS, Bryan Dodson joined Huntsville
Rehabilitation Foundation in 1981, and became President in
1984; as a result, over 16,000 people with disabilities have
been provided services which have positively changed the
course of their lives by receiving training for both job
success and life skills, and meaningful employment and
benefits that enabled them to care for themselves and their
families; this, in turn, provided the most valuable benefit of
all, self-esteem; and
WHEREAS, during his tenue, the annual wage for
people with disabilities has increased by almost 200 percent;
and
WHEREAS, to help clients pursue financial
independence, Mr. Dodson obtained money management classes and
then, through a partnership with Redstone Federal Credit
Union, enabled those who completed the class to obtain
appropriate loans, giving them an opportunity that most of us
simply take for granted; and
WHEREAS, Brian Dodson's commitment to serve has not
been limited to the Huntsville Rehabilitation Foundation, he
used their substantial profits and resources to serve other
non-profits engaging in improving the quality of life in our
community, including: providing a building for the Alabama
Department of Rehabilitation Services to enable much needed
services for children and adults; and providing startup
funding, facilities or grants to The Volunteer Center, Still
Serving Veterans, Kids on the Block, HEALS, INC., Community
Free Clinic, Madison County Special Olympics, Interfaith
Mission Service, and The United Way of Madison County; and
WHEREAS, he is a member of St. Thomas Episcopal
Church, and he has served as a member of several community and
statewide boards, including: Alabama Association of
Rehabilitation Facilities, Southern Disability Foundation,
Better Business Bureau, Community Free Clinic, Huntsville City
Transportation Advisory Board, and The Huntsville Madison
County Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Bryan Dodson was presented with the 2016
Distinguished Service Award, the highest individual honor
given by the Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, through the years, Bryan Dodson has earned
immense respect for his tireless dedication and exceptional
abilities, and he is truly deserving of special recognition;
now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That Bryan Dodson is highly
honored and commended, and this resolution is offered to him
in deepest admiration and appreciation, along with sincere
best wishes for all future endeavors.
Howard Sanderford