LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Michelle de la Uz of Fifth Avenue
Committee upon the occasion of graduating from the NeighborWorks Achiev-
ing Excellence in Community Development program

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 reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to
congratulate Michelle de la Uz of Fifth Avenue Committee upon the occa-
sion of graduating from the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence in Commu-
nity Development program on Thursday, March 4, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence in Community Develop-
ment program is the premiere organizational investment program and one
of the ways that NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people
to improve their lives and strengthen their communities; the program
builds on NeighborWorks America's strong track record as the nation's
leading trainer of community development and affordable housing profes-
sionals; and
WHEREAS, Michelle de la Uz is one of 49 leaders to graduate with this
Achieving Excellence class, a prestigious and highly selective training
program for nonprofit executives 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 Michelle de
la Uz's 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, Achieving Excellence is an 18-month educational program that
includes three formal sessions at Harvard University's Kennedy School of
Government, as well as individual executive coaching, intensive peer
learning and guidance from Douglas K. Smith, principal designer of the
program and renowned expert on performance, learning, innovation and
change; and
WHEREAS, This organizational investment program is designed specif-
ically for seasoned executive directors and senior level staff in
nonprofit community development organizations that focus on affordable
housing, community revitalization or community economic development;
through this program, Michelle de la Uz specifically addressed one of
the most critical challenges facing her organization, identifying and
implementing solutions that not only dramatically changed how the organ-
ization does business, but also fostered lasting community change; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence 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
congratulate Michelle de la Uz of Fifth Avenue Committee upon the occa-
sion of graduating from the NeighborWorks Achieving Excellence in Commu-
nity Development program; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michelle de la Uz.