LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael Castellana upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the 2012 Anschel Weiss Community Build-
er's Award by Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense 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 honor
Michael Castellana upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2012 Anschel Weiss Community Builder's Award by Jewish Family
Services of Northeastern New York; this auspicious occasion will be
celebrated on Thursday, June 7, 2012, at the Massry Center for the Arts
at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York provides
non-sectarian services to the whole community: clinical counseling for
individuals, families, and couples; anger management and parenting
groups; supervised visitation; senior care management; a senior escort
and transportation program; a senior case aide; in-home senior coun-
seling; Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community; Norek
Family Transitions program (advocacy and counseling for families of
someone undergoing critical illness/end-of-life issues/bereavement); and
GLBT programs; and
WHEREAS, Michael Castellana is the President and Chief Executive Offi-
cer of SEFCU; it is the largest credit union in the Capital Region and
the seventh largest in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, As the President and Chief Executive Officer of SEFCU, Micha-
el Castellana employs the credit union philosophy of "people helping
people," believing that financial services provide a means to fulfill
this mission; to that end, he has been instrumental in bringing together
employees, members, the community and business partners under a common
theme, "Banking with a Purpose"; and
WHEREAS, Michael Castellana joined SEFCU more than 23 years ago as a
member of the executive management team; during his tenure, SEFCU has
grown both geographically and in size; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of Michael Castellana, SEFCU acts as a
catalyst, leveraging relationships to create more positive outcomes for
all; and
WHEREAS, Michael Castellana serves on numerous boards of directors,
including the SEFCU Foundation, a non-profit affiliation which pools the
time, talent and financial resources of SEFCU staff in support of chil-
dren's causes; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Michael Castellana 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 Michael Castellana has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Michael Castella-
na; 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 celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael Castellana upon the occasion of his designation as recipi-
ent of the 2012 Anschel Weiss Community Builder's Award by Jewish Family
Services of Northeastern New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Castellana.