LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Martha Ryan upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 2011 Post-Standard Achievement Award

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those community leaders whose ideals and achievements best
exemplify the values cherished by this State; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor those
individuals within New York State, who have made strong contributions to
their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Martha Ryan upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the 2011 Post-Standard Achievement Award; and
WHEREAS, Martha Ryan began her involvement with community service at
an early age, organizing one of her grammar school's biggest fund-rais-
ers; and
WHEREAS, A graduate from D'Youville College, Martha Ryan began her
professional career in 1973 as a nurse at the VA Hospital in Syracuse;
and
WHEREAS, Martha Ryan later became Director of Quality Improvement at
Community General Hospital and then Director of Population Management
for United Healthcare; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, Martha Ryan, a cancer survivor herself, started
working at the American Cancer Society, where she has directed numerous
programs aimed at reducing cancer and helping patients; she has also
helped develop the patient navigation program; and
WHEREAS, Martha Ryan currently holds the position of Director of
Health Systems Initiatives of the American Cancer Society, and has
worked with several healthcare entities to promote effective cancer
control strategies in both employee and patient areas; and
WHEREAS, Along with other members of the McMahon/Ryan family, Martha
Ryan started working with local child abuse organizations in 1998, to
create one place for physically, mentally and sexually abused children
in Onondaga County to receive medical, therapeutic and support services;
and
WHEREAS, In April of 2002, the doors of the McMahon Ryan Child Advoca-
cy Site officially opened and have continued to remain dedicated to
ending child abuse or neglect through intervention and education; and
WHEREAS, The McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Site, assisted by the endless
efforts of co-founder and volunteer Martha Ryan, has advocated for thou-
sands of abused children and their families in Onondaga County; and
WHEREAS, Through the persistence of Martha Ryan, The McMahon Ryan
Child Advocacy Site has also increased community awareness about child
abuse and prevention; and
WHEREAS, Martha Ryan has distinguished herself through decades of
outstanding community service and leadership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Martha Ryan upon the occasion of her designation as the
2011 recipient of the Post Standard Achievement Award; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Martha Ryan.