LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating James B. DeStefano upon the occa-
sion of his designation for special recognition for 30 years of distin-
guished service

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals that
generously contribute to the welfare of the community and its citizenry;
and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to 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 congratu-
late James B. DeStefano upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition for 30 years of distinguished service; and
WHEREAS, Occupations, Inc. was founded in 1963 by the parents of seven
developmentally disabled youth desiring employment opportunities for
their children; it is one of Orange County's largest human services
providers and is a successful, complex, highly respected, progressive
and competitive community-based rehabilitation agency that provides over
14,000 children, adults and families each year with high quality care
and confidential treatment; and
WHEREAS, James B. DeStefano is the President and Chief Executive Offi-
cer of Occupations, Inc.; he brings over 30 years of experience provid-
ing organizational leadership to its expanding program development and
operations, human resources, strategic planning and financial management
of a multimillion dollar corporate system; his expertise has positioned
the agency to provide diverse services to over 13,000 people per year;
and
WHEREAS, Over the past 30 years, James B. DeStefano has directed staff
growth at Occupations, Inc. from 125 to more than 1,100; led multi-mil-
lion dollar physical plant renovations; operated services in more than
63 locations; expanded organizational operations; and successfully led
and inspired a talented senior leadership team; and
WHEREAS, Having affected positive change through his service as Chair-
person and other leadership roles on the Board of Directors of the New
York State Rehabilitation Association, James B. DeStefano is highly
regarded in Orange County and New York State for his business acumen and
advocacy for people with disabilities; and
WHEREAS, A strong and respected leader in the field of rehabilitation,
James B. DeStefano was the 1997 recipient of the Crystal Run Village
Community Service Award and the 2001 recipient of the NISH East Person
of the Year Award; his personal values are demonstrated daily as a
committed, intelligent, compassionate, honorable leader; and
WHEREAS, James B. DeStefano is recognized as an industry leader in the
implementation of AbilityOne contracts employing people with disabili-
ties; he leads and inspires from a personal value system and a passion
for integration of person-centered outcomes for people living with disa-
bilities; and
WHEREAS, The recipient of a Master's of Education degree in counseling
and personnel service from the University of Missouri in 1972, James B.
DeStefano received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Edinboro
State College; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, James B. DeStefano has

stood constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the
respect and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which James B. DeStefano has displayed
throughout his life; 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 recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate James B. DeStefano upon the occasion of his designation for
special recognition for 30 years of distinguished service; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to James B. DeStefano, President and Chief Executive Officer,
Occupations, Inc., 15 Fortune Road West, Middletown, New York 10941.