Bill > HR208

This Resolution formally acknowledges the passing of Dawn Michele Lawson, a distinguished federal government employee and dedicated community advocate who died on February 7, 2013. It highlights her significant career of 25 years with various branches of the United States Department of Defense, including her pioneering work in establishing the Defense Information Systems Agency's (DISA) first blanket purchase agreement for open source software and negotiating a major Microsoft software license agreement. The Resolution also recognizes her extensive involvement in civic and political life, including her active roles in the Democratic Party at local, state, and national levels, serving as a National Delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 2008 and 2012, and her leadership positions within the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a historically African American sorority. Furthermore, it commends her community service, such as her participation in outreach programs with Blacks in Government and her appointment by Governor Timothy M. Kaine to chair United Nations Day in Virginia, as well as her fellowship at Antioch Baptist Church. The Resolution concludes by expressing the deep sadness of the House of Delegates over her loss and directing the Clerk to provide a copy of the resolution to her family as a token of respect for her memory.