LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Catherine Lewis-Smith upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the Health Award on March 21, 2010

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration of their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Catherine Lewis-Smith upon the occasion of her designation as recipient
of the Health Award on March 21, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Lewis-Smith graduated from New York University with
a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, and has studied
at the State University of New York at Buffalo and Syracuse University;
and
WHEREAS, Catherine Lewis-Smith began her career in the health care
industry in 1964 as a Claims Representative for Blue Cross/Blue Shield
of Western New York; twenty years later, she was managing a staff of 37
in a New York State effort to preserve the Medicare Trust Fund; and
WHEREAS, In 1991, Catherine Lewis-Smith founded LEWAC Associates of
Western New York, Inc., with a mission to increase access to culturally
sensitive healthcare, health education and human services for the Afri-
can-American and Hispanic communities of Western New York; and
WHEREAS, In March 2003, Ms. Lewis-Smith and her husband Dr. Glen R.
Smith opened Wellness Medical Practice, PLLC on Buffalo's West Side;
this private medical practice, serving over 3,000 patients, combines
direct healthcare services and health education for the surrounding
Hispanic and African-American communities; Ms. Lewis-Smith serves as
Medical Office Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Catherine Lewis-Smith is a highly dedicated individual who
devotes much of her personal time to community service; in 1993 she
served as Manager of Delegation Services for the World University Games
in Buffalo; for several years she tutored 3rd and 4th graders at Buffalo
Public School 74, and has served as President of the Erie County Chapter
of the Links and as Chair of the First Shiloh Baptist Church Health
Ministry Committee; she is also a member of the Leadership Buffalo Class
of 2002 and has sat on the Board of Buffalo Prep, The Make-A-Wish Foun-
dation, and Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services; currently she is
President of the Board of Directors of Susan G. Komen for the Cure,
Western New York Affiliate; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Catherine Lewis-Smith
has stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of other which Catherine Lewis-Smith has displayed
throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Catherine Lewis-Smith upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Health Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Catherine Lewis-Smith.