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SJ 272

Commending Anne Cochrane Pace.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Betsy Carr and 1 co-sponsor

Ceremonial SJ272ER commends Anne Cochrane Pace for nearly 25 years leading Virginia’s Commonwealth Health Research Board, recognizing her funding impact and best wishes on retirement.

Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ272ER)
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Bill Summary · SJ 272

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution No. 272 (SJ272ER) — Commending Anne Cochrane Pace

Overview

SJ272ER is a ceremonial Senate Joint Resolution that commends Anne Cochrane Pace on the occasion of her retirement as administrator of the Commonwealth Health Research Board (CHRB) and her nearly 25 years of service. The resolution was adopted by both chambers and enrolled as the final, joint resolution (SJ272ER) on January 21, 2025.

  • Status: Enrolled; Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ272ER)
  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Agreed to: Senate (January 16, 2025); House of Delegates (January 20, 2025)
  • Purpose: Express admiration and best wishes, recognizing Pace’s leadership and contributions to Virginia’s biomedical research funding program

Background and Context

  • The Commonwealth Health Research Fund (CHRF) and the Commonwealth Health Research Board (CHRB) were established by act of the General Assembly to support biomedical research in Virginia and to benefit the health of Virginians.
  • Anne Pace has served as the administrator and sole employee of the CHRB since its inception in 1997.
  • Under her oversight, the CHRF’s initial principal was invested, and proceeds funded grant awards to investigators at Virginia colleges and universities, as directed by the General Assembly.

Key Achievements Attributed to Pace

  • Funding impact: CHRF/CHRB awarded more than $26 million through over 300 research awards to investigators at 25 Virginia colleges and universities.
  • University matching: Participating institutions provided matching funds exceeding $11 million to support biomedical research.
  • Follow-on funding: Investigators backed by CHRF/CHRB secured more than $93 million in additional funding brought into the Commonwealth.
  • Economic and innovation benefits: Research results supported by the CHRF have aided technology transfer and commercialization, contributing to Virginia’s economy.
  • Oversight and administration: Pace supervised proposal submission, expert consultant reviews, board consideration, funding transfers to institutions/investigators, and regular progress reporting for accountability.
  • Audits and governance: She worked with the Auditor of Public Accounts on 13 audits and organized CHRB meetings; administered CHRB under seven governors and with 32 gubernatorial/legislative appointees and seven board chairs.

Provisions and Effects

  • The resolution formally commends Anne Cochrane Pace and expresses the General Assembly’s admiration for her achievements and best wishes for retirement.
  • It directs the Clerk of the Senate to prepare a copy for presentation to Pace.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Engrossed/Agreed by Senate: January 16, 2025
  • House Agreed: January 20, 2025 (voice vote)
  • Enrolled: January 21, 2025
  • Total effect: Ceremonial; no new authorities, programs, or fiscal obligations are created.

Affected Parties

  • Anne Cochrane Pace (primary subject of commendation)
  • Commonwealth Health Research Board and Fund (context and history)
  • Virginia universities and researchers benefiting from CHRF/CHRB-funded grants
  • General Assembly and the Clerk’s Office (ceremonial presentation of the commendation)

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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