LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Phillip A. Saperia upon the occasion of
his retirement from the New York State Coalition of Behavioral Health
Agencies, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed resi-
dents of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Phillip A. Saperia upon the occasion of his retirement from the New York
State Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, For the past 21 years, Phillip A. Saperia rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service as Executive Director of the New York
State Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc., earning the admira-
tion, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and
WHEREAS, In his capacity as Executive Director, Phillip A. Saperia
served with loyalty, honor and distinction; he was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems in his
official acts; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1972, the New York State Coalition of Behavioral
Health Agencies, Inc., is the umbrella advocacy organization of New
York's behavioral health community, representing over 100 non-profit
community-based behavioral health agencies that serve more than 350,000
clients in the five boroughs of New York City and its environs; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Politics, Phillip A. Saperia holds a Master of Arts in Teach-
ing from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education where he was
elected to Phi Delta Kappa, the National Honorary Education Society; and
WHEREAS, In October of 1994, Phillip A. Saperia began serving as Exec-
utive Director of the New York State Coalition of Behavioral Health
Agencies, Inc., where he has overseen its program of education advocacy
and technical assistance to the diverse community-based behavioral
health providers of New York City; and
WHEREAS, Since his arrival at the New York State Coalition of Behav-
ioral Health Agencies, Inc., Phillip A. Saperia has been immersed in
mental health public policy, government support of community mental
health, the evolution of public managed care programs for people living
with mental illness and the emerging area of employment for people with
psychiatric disabilities; and
WHEREAS, Phillip A. Saperia has been in the fields of community and
government relations for many years; prior to coming to the New York
State Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc., he was a consultant
to several not-for-profit agencies on matters related to community
siting of special care housing and on the development of local community
advisory boards as well as serving as Director of the Mayor's Office of
Jewish Community Affairs during the administration of David Dinkins; and
WHEREAS, Phillip A. Saperia has been called upon to contribute his
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of himself unstintingly; and
WHEREAS, Active in community organizations, Phillip A. Saperia has
been involved in the brownstone neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Phillip A. Saperia upon the occasion of his retirement from the

New York State Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, Inc.; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Phillip A. Saperia.