LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard S. Witkowski upon the occasion
of his 20th Anniversary as CEO and President of the Allegany Arc

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 honor
Richard S. Witkowski upon the occasion of his 20th Anniversary as CEO
and President of the Allegany Arc; and
WHEREAS, A champion and strong advocate for people with intellectual
and developmental disabilities, Richard S. Witkowski is fully committed
to helping people lead richer lives through individualized services and
person centered approaches; and
WHEREAS, Hired by the Allegany Arc to serve as its CEO and President
on February 6, 1989, Richard S. Witkowski embraces the OMRDD vision of
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities enjoying mean-
ingful relationships with friends, families and others in their lives,
experiencing personal health and growth, living in the home of their
choice and fully participating in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Under the outstanding leadership of Richard S. Witkowski, the
Allegany Arc has grown significantly; it now serves over 400 people and
the staff has increased from 80 employees in 1989 to over 400 today; and
WHEREAS, In addition, the Allegany Arc established an Individualized
Residential Alternative home for children with Autism and three adult
homes and created the first program for adults with Traumatic Brain
Injuries in the region; and
WHEREAS, The Allegany Arc opened the PWI Training facility on Andover
Road in 1995, purchasing the building in 2008, and the administration
building and Day Habilitation site on O'Connor Street in 1991; it has
also opened two other training sites in Wellsville to ensure adequate
space for training people with disabilities to work; and
WHEREAS, Actively involved in the community, Richard S. Witkowski is a
member of the Rotary Club of Wellsville, where he serves as Coordinator
of the annual Election Day Pancake Breakfast; 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; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Richard S. Witkowski and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard S. Witkowski upon the occasion of his 20th Anniversary as
CEO and President of the Allegany Arc; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard S. Witkowski.