Senate Resolution No. 75

BY: Senator BRESLIN

COMMENDING John E. Henley upon the occasion of his
retirement after six years of distinguished service
to Northern Rivers Family of Services on June 27,
2016

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of
certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their
valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend John E. Henley upon the occasion of his retirement after six
years of distinguished service to Northern Rivers Family of Services to
be celebrated at a party held in his honor on Monday, June 27, 2016, at
River Stone Manor, Glenville, New York; and

WHEREAS, John E. Henley earned his bachelor's degree at Le Moyne
College, Syracuse, New York; he furthered his education by obtaining his
Master's degree in Special Education from Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, As a student, John E. Henley was part of a wave of
revolutionary ideas and actions in family services inspired in part by
the Education for All Handicapped Children Act which was enacted by the
United States Congress in 1975, to support states and localities in
protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving
the results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities
and their families; and

WHEREAS, At that time, the philosophy of what was then called
normalization was groundbreaking; a true visionary, John E. Henley
strived to understand the challenges of these children, break
stereotypes and develop real, productive integration into the community;
and

WHEREAS, John E. Henley joined Northeast Parent & Child Society as
CEO in 2010; dedicated to children and their families, he was named CEO
of Parsons Child & Family Center upon the creation of Northern Rivers
Family of Services in 2012, a position from which he will officially
retire in June of 2016; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, John E. Henley continued to do what he
has done through his career, redefine the nature of public-private
relationships by developing new programming, utilizing the talent and
depth of community partners and overcoming every challenge to explore
the full potential of Northern Rivers and its member agencies to respond
to the real needs of its communities; and

WHEREAS, In addition, John E. Henley held the title of Executive
Vice President, providing administrative and clinical direction for
Northern Rivers and its member agencies, Northeast Parent & Child
Society and Parsons Child & Family Center; and


WHEREAS, On July 1, 2014, John E. Henley assumed the role of Chief
Executive Officer of Northern Rivers Family of Services, reflecting the
culmination of both a process that began with the formation of the
company in 2012, and of a career dedicated to changing the way family
services agencies meet the needs of the public; and

WHEREAS, Previously, John E. Henley served for 13 years as Executive
Director of Elmcrest Children's Center in his home community of
Syracuse, and for over a decade as Executive Director of the Cayuga Home
for Children in Auburn, New York; and

WHEREAS, At each of these agencies, as well as at his previous
positions in public education and as Director of Education for Hillside
Children's Center in Rochester, New York, John E. Henley emphasized the
vitality of partnerships with state and county officials as well as the
communities they served; and

WHEREAS, In his official acts, John E. Henley was governed by a keen
sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; his
professionalism and kindness earned him the admiration, esteem and
affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, This remarkable man 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, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which John E. Henley has displayed
throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John E. Henley upon the occasion of his retirement after six
years of distinguished service to Northern Rivers Family of Services,
and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John E. Henley.