LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Rhonda A. Lewis upon the occasion
of graduating from NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence in Community
Development program

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 congratu-
late Rhonda A. Lewis upon the occasion of graduating from NeighborWorks
Achieving Excellence in Community Development program; and
WHEREAS, Rhonda Lewis has served as President & Chief Executive Offi-
cer of Bridge Street Development Corp. (BSDC) since 2001; a native of
the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, she has made rebuilding New York
City's most distressed neighborhoods her life's work; in the course of
her 25 years in real estate and economic development, Ms. Lewis has
underwritten close to $100 million in loans and grants to community
groups; at BSDC, she has created more than 600 units of mixed-income
housing as well as programs ranging from commercial revitalization to
financial literacy to civic engagement and education; and
WHEREAS, On March 4, 2010, Rhonda Lewis graduated from the Neighbor-
Works Achieving Excellence in Community Development program in collab-
oration with Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government; she is
one of 49 leaders to graduate with this Achieving Excellence class -- a
prestigious and highly selective training program for nonprofit execu-
tives offered by NeighborWorks America in collaboration with the Kennedy
School of Government; and
WHEREAS, Only the most experienced and sophisticated executive direc-
tors and senior level staff participate in this program, and Rhonda
Lewis' successful completion of the Achieving Excellence program is a
testament to her exceptional skills and long-term commitment to improv-
ing our nation's lower-income communities and the lives of their resi-
dents; and
WHEREAS, Rhonda A. Lewis's distinguished record merits the recognition
and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Rhonda A. Lewis upon the occasion of graduating from Neigh-
borWorks Achieving Excellence in Community Development program; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Rhonda A. Lewis.