WHEREAS, William D. Sessoms, Jr., stepped down as Mayor of Virginia Beach on April 30, 2018, after more than 24 years of dedicated service and leadership as a city council member, vice mayor, and mayor; and

WHEREAS, William "Will" D. Sessoms, Jr., grew up in Virginia Beach, where he attended First Colonial High School; after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University, he pursued a career in banking, becoming senior vice president of Wachovia Bank and president of TowneBank; and

WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service to the community, Will Sessoms ran for and was elected to an at-large seat on the Virginia Beach City Council in 1988; he was subsequently elected by his fellow council members to serve as vice mayor between 1992 and 2002; and

WHEREAS, Will Sessoms was elected Mayor of Virginia Beach in 2008 and later won election to two additional terms; during his tenure, he worked to create jobs, improve the environment, and strengthen communities throughout Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, Will Sessoms has served as director of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Foundation, Virginia Marine Science Museum, Virginia Beach Central Business District Association, and Virginia Beach Vision; and

WHEREAS, Will Sessoms has also volunteered his time and leadership to numerous civic and service organizations, including the American Heart Association, the Boys and Girls Club, Sentara Healthcare, and the Norfolk State University Foundation; and

WHEREAS, after his well-earned retirement from public office, Will Sessoms will continue to live in Virginia Beach and seek new opportunities to serve the community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That William D. Sessoms, Jr., hereby be commended for his more than 15 years of service to the residents of Virginia Beach; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William D. Sessoms, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for his contributions to the community and best wishes in future endeavors.