Ronald Collins Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2025

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-47

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

June 3, 2025

To recognize and honor the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Ronald R. Collins.

WHEREAS, Ronald R. Collins was born in Washington, DC, on May 30, 1954, to Shirley
Hughes Brown and the late Ronald C. Collins;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins attended St. Anthony’s High School, where he notably
represented the school on the student quiz show, It's Academic, and began to nurture his deep
Christian faith as a Catholic;

WHEREAS, he continued his education at the University of Scranton, earning his
bachelor’s degree summa cum laude, and went on to attend the Penn State Dickinson Law School,
earning his Juris Doctor;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins dedicated his life and career to public service and the betterment
of the District and the communities he called home , starting his career in politics by holding
leadership roles with the Ward 2 Democrats;

WHEREAS, following redistricting, which placed Mr. Collins in Ward 6, he would go on
to serve, from 2006 to 2018, as the Ward’s Democratic State Committeeman, and chair the
Constitution and By-Laws Committee;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins served in elected office as Commissioner for Advisory
Neighborhood Commission 6D representing Southwest, including serving as the commission’s
treasurer;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins began distinguished government service at the Council of the
District of Columbia as legal counsel and later Chief of Staff to the late H. R. Crawford, Ward 7
Councilmember, from 1980 to 1992, and years later, from 2007 to 2011, would continue his
Council service as Deputy Assistant Secretary to the Council;

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WHEREAS, Mr. Collins served in the executive branch under several mayoral
administrations, including, under Mayor Sharon Pratt, as legal counsel and Chief of Staff to the
Department of Human Services Director Vincent C. Gray, under Mayor Anthony Williams, as
Director of the Office of Boards and Commissions from 2003- 2007, and in 2011, under Mayor
Vincent C. Gray, was again appointed to head the Office of Boards and Commissions , before
retiring from District government service in 2012;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins was known for his passion for English football, notably the
Manchester City Football Club, and was best recognized proudly sporting a University of Scranton
sweatshirt, a symbol of deep devotion to his alma mater;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins's work and presence had a positive impact on Wards 2 and 6, and
the government of the District across several mayoral administrations, leaving a lasting legacy of
leadership, integrity, and dedication;

WHEREAS, residents of the District that knew him best recount that, “ Ron was the type
of person you were proud to call a friend. Although the years have passed since our paths have
crossed, I will always consider Ron a true friend,” and “Ron was a true spirit…He was independent
but always ready to lend a helping hand”;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins’ presence and impact on the Ward 6 Southwest community is
shared by a resident’s reflection: “We are grateful for his service to the people of S outhwest and
for the wisdom and decorum he brought to ANC 6D deliberations”;

WHEREAS, Mr. Collins's legacy will continue to be felt through his former Council
colleagues and their fond memories of his diligent work ethic and yet humorous nature, former
ANC 6D colleagues who will tell the story of his wisdom and decorum during deliberations, and
countless residents and constituents who will recount how he helped them solve a problem or get
connected to the right services; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Collin’s memory will be a blessing to all who knew him , as he was a
kind, generous soul full of commitment, compassion, and an unwavering faith, who always greeted
you with a warm smile and was able to bring joy to those around him.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the "Ronald Collins Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2025".

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the life and
accomplishments of Ronald R. Collins.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.