Senate Resolution No. 786

BY: Senator STEC

HONORING the life and legacy of Kate Fish,
distinguished citizen, respected leader, and devoted
member of her community

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected
leader, and devoted member of her community; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish, an artist, dog lover, skier, and free spirit who
cared deeply about her family, community, and the forests and waters of
the beloved Adirondacks, died on January 12, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish served businesses and communities in northern New
York for more than 11 years, notably serving as executive director of
the Adirondack North Country Association; and

WHEREAS, Her tenure as executive director marked a period of
unprecedented growth and development for the Adirondack North Country
Association and the nonprofit organization's influence on economic
development efforts in northern New York State; and

WHEREAS, Her leadership was a driving force behind the expansion of
the services that the Adirondack North Country Association provides to
small farms, small businesses, and rural communities in northern New
York; and

WHEREAS, Through her talent, vision, and leadership, Kate Fish
recruited and attracted an outstanding team of staff, board members, and
regional partners to develop programs that serve the economic needs and
interests in the northern part of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish recognized that renewable energy is a critical
path to more resilient local economies contributed to the development of
the Adirondack North Country Association's clean energy program and
expansion of renewable and energy efficiency initiatives that benefit
North Country communities; and

WHEREAS, During her tenure as executive director, Kate Fish fostered
collaborative relationships with other regional and state organizations
that leveraged each of their constituencies, networks, resources, and
skill sets to advance shared interests and goals; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish worked in partnership with organizations
including the Adirondack Council to secure funding and community support
for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, which has grown in capacity,
influence, and impact in the Adirondack region and New York State to
provide programs designed to foster welcoming and belonging in local
businesses and communities; and


WHEREAS, Kate Fish served with honor and distinction on the
executive committee of the North Country Regional Economic Development
Council, on the Community Advisory Group of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York, and on the NYSERDA Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish brought knowledge and insight gained from her
work with major international corporations to the development of the
Adirondack North Country Association and its programs; and

WHEREAS, Kate Fish held a life-long love of the Adirondack Park
where she spent summers as a child and a desire to preserve the unique
relationships between the human world and the natural world for the
benefit of Adirondack communities for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, While Kate Fish had a successful and admirable career, she
did not live for work; rather, Kate Fish lived for love and presence,
and all whom she loved will miss her kind spirit, warm demeanor, and
ever flowing friendship; and

WHEREAS, At the front of the long line of people Kate Fish loved are
her two strong and beloved daughters, Alexandra (Adam) Perreault and
Clara Borders, and their beautiful children, Mabel, Bo, Amani, Dylan,
Karina, and Charlotte; Kate Fish also cherished her relationship and
countless memories with her three siblings, Farland, Howard, and Peter;
and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Kate Fish leaves behind a legacy rich in love and
fulfillment which will long endure the passage of time and will remain
as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore,
be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected
leader, and devoted member of her community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Kate Fish.