LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Karen Schimke upon the occasion of her
retirement after many years of distinguished service as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of preeminent character whose lives exemplify the highest
ideals of humanity and whose lifework and civic endeavor serve to
enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great State of
New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Karen Schimke upon the occasion of her retirement after many years of
distinguished service as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, Karen Schimke has been an advocate for
individuals, families and children in a diverse career that has spanned
more than four decades and consequently she will be honored at a retire-
ment dinner on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at Wolfert's Roost Country Club,
Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Born and raised in Nebraska, Karen Schimke earned her Bach-
elor of Arts degree in Social Welfare from the University of Nebraska
and a Master of Social Work degree from Case Western Reserve University
in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduation, Karen Schimke was a Social Worker at the
Rose Bud Indian Reservation in South Dakota; from there she made her way
to Buffalo, New York, where she served as a Regional Director of the
Division of Family and Children Services for the New York State Depart-
ment of Social Services; she eventually spent six years as Commissioner
of the Erie County Department of Social Services; and
WHEREAS, Karen Schimke moved to Albany, New York, in 1993, to become
the Executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of
Social Services and later served in the same capacity for the New York
State Department of Health; at each agency, she promoted changes in
service delivery and government operations that improved access to
services and improved the workforce; and
WHEREAS, In 1996, Karen Schimke began her esteemed tenure as the Pres-
ident and Chief Executive Officer of Schuyler Center for Analysis and
Advocacy (SCAA), a 138 year old non-profit, non-partisan public policy
and advocacy organization working to improve health and human services
in New York; and
WHEREAS, As President and Chief Executive Officer of SCAA, Karen
Schimke led the State's agenda to provide universal Pre-K statewide; she
created and is co-convenor of "Winning Beginning NY," the State's early
care and learning coalition; her vision also led to the creation of New
York Children's Action Network (NY CAN), having recognized the need for
a collaborative and forceful voice for children in the state; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Karen Schimke co-chairs the Advisory Board to
the Children's Cabinet Advisory Board as well as the Early Childhood
Advisory Committee; she has also worked on two Regents task forces to
help close the performance gap and is a past policy chair for the New
York State Association for the Education of Young Children; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her professional duties, Karen Schimke has
shared her knowledge and talents on many community boards and organiza-
tions; she has received dozens of awards and commendations over her many
years of service starting with the 1979 Social Worker of the Year from
the National Association of Social Workers; more recently, she has been

recognized by numerous children's organizations and health and mental
health advocates; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Karen Schimke has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in her unwavering service to both her community and
profession; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, intellect and commitment as that demonstrated by Karen
Schimke over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; and
WHEREAS, As Karen Schimke steps down as President and Chief Executive
Officer of SCAA, she leaves behind more than mere bricks and mortar; she
leaves behind a legacy exemplifying the ideals of SCAA, building strong
kids, strong families and even stronger communities; 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 Karen Schimke upon the occasion of her retirement after many
years of distinguished service as President and Chief Executive Officer
of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, and to wish her continued
success in all of her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Karen Schimke.