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TO SALUTE PATRICK GRAHAM DENNIS, FORMER CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE SPEAKER'S OFFICE, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, TO EXTEND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE BODY, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN HIS NEW ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, for fifteen years, the State of South Carolina enjoyed the benefit of the dedication, experience, and leadership of Patrick Graham Dennis, who in November 2017 left his position as Chief of Staff of the Speaker's Office of the South Carolina House of Representatives to accept new responsibilities and challenges with the South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA); and
Whereas, in preparation for his life's work, Patrick Dennis received his bachelor's degree from Erskine College, where he served as Senior Class President. He went on to earn his juris doctorate at the University of South Carolina School of Law, at the same time serving as a law clerk to the House Judiciary Committee, where he developed a passion for the legislative process; and
Whereas, in 2001, Patrick Dennis commenced his full-time legal career, continuing his service to the State of South Carolina by serving as law clerk to the Honorable J. Derham Cole, Circuit Court judge of the 7th Judicial Circuit. In 2003, he returned to the House Judiciary Committee as Assistant Chief Counsel, three years later ascending to the position of Chief Counsel to the Committee, where he distinguished himself as Counsel to the House Ethics Committee and Lead Counsel for the House to the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. He also served as Counsel to numerous Joint Legislative Study Committees and in 2011 successfully led redistricting efforts for the House; and
Whereas, establishing himself as adept at assisting the leadership and membership of the entire House in crafting complex legislation and in shepherding House initiatives through the legislative process, a challenging task, he proved to be somewhat of a political policy genius. As such, he was the obvious choice for the prestigious position of Chief of Staff of the Speaker's Office; and
Whereas, Patrick stepped into the post in 2014 under newly elected Speaker Jay Lucas and managed the trials of his new position ably and with characteristic humor. Patrick's quick wit and, at times, biting sarcasm were always balanced by sharp intelligence and a certain charm that meant he could get away with just about anything and endear himself to everyone. The House trusts that his reputation for excellence has followed him to the new job with the SCMA so that no one there has had to ask who he is and what he is doing because they already know; and
Whereas, notably, Patrick is also a humanitarian who has quietly gone about helping his fellow man. Volunteering at least once a month at Trinity Cathedral with other dedicated volunteers from Trinity and sister churches, he both cooks and washes dishes for the Sunday morning breakfast served each week to the poor and homeless of downtown Columbia; and
Whereas, at home, Patrick is the proud husband of Michelle and delighted father of daughter Anna Margaret. Away from the office, he is a dedicated family man whose social life consists of patronizing Mr. Friendly's as often as possible, along with taking part in an occasional recreational visit to the Publick House, but which mostly revolves around whatever Anna Margaret directs is the agenda for the day--a state of affairs that seems to suit him just fine; and
Whereas, the House of Representatives, appreciative of the commitment and leadership Patrick Dennis has bestowed on this body and this State, takes great pleasure in wishing him all the best as he enters into his new duties with the SCMA. He carries with him the respect and best wishes of all his many friends, members and staff alike, in the House of Representatives. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, salute Patrick Graham Dennis, former Chief of Staff of the Speaker's Office, on the occasion of his departure from the House of Representatives, extend deep appreciation for his many years of distinguished service to the body, and wish him much success and fulfillment in his new endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Patrick Dennis.
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