LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Joann Ariola upon the occasion of being
selected as Richmond Hill South Civic's 2013 Outstanding Community Lead-
er to be celebrated May 30, 2013

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
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, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joann Ariola
upon the occasion of being selected as Richmond Hill South Civic's 2013
Outstanding Community Leader to be celebrated May 30, 2013; and
WHEREAS, With a career in public service that spans over 30 years,
Joann Ariola has held an array of positions but has never strayed from
her dedication and commitment to that which she holds in the highest
regard, her community; and
WHEREAS, A graduate of Our Lady of Grace in Howard Beach, her Catholic
education continued until graduating from Stella Marls High School in
1976; and
WHEREAS, The oldest of three children born to Paul and Terry Ariola,
Joann Ariola's community involvement was nurtured as part of a family
commitment to helping others, especially those less fortunate; and
WHEREAS, As a young parent of school-aged children, Joann Ariola's
involvement began with her service as a board member of her children's
Parent's Association; her work there brought her to the realization that
while a parent's involvement begins at home, it certainly did not end
there; she quickly took the opportunity to become active in several
civic and charitable organizations; and
WHEREAS, Joann Ariola's professional career began as a court stenogra-
pher in the Queens County Court System; she served under the district
attorney before beginning her career in local government; and
WHEREAS, Joann Ariola worked for the New York City Council, serving as
the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary to Council members in both Queens
and Brooklyn; it was during this time she grew to truly understand the
value and the necessity of community involvement; and
WHEREAS, Following her terms at the City Council, Joann Ariola moved
on to work in the Office of the Mayor of New York City, where she added
to her significant governmental and political experience; she worked
first as the South Queens Director for Queens at the Community Assist-
ance Unit before being elevated to Assistant Commissioner for Adminis-
trative Affairs; and
WHEREAS, At the close of her tenure with the mayor's office, Joann
Ariola decided to make the transition into yet another field where her
passion for community could best be served and accepted a Post within
the MediSys Health Network as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs;
and
WHEREAS, In her current position, Joann Ariola has worked with numer-
ous elected officials to secure funding for many noteworthy projects
throughout the hospital's network; her responsibilities also include the
coordination of borough-wide health fairs and Informational symposiums;
and
WHEREAS, As Director, Joann Ariola acts in the critical position of
liaison, facilitating the relationships between the Jamaica and Flushing

Hospital Medical Centers and their Community Boards, elected officials,
and local community groups; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her professional work, Joann Ariola is highly
active in several organizations; currently, she is the Founding Chair of
the Lindenwood Alliance, and a member of the 106th Precinct Community
Council, as well as being a member of Community Board 10; and
WHEREAS, Joann Ariola was designated a New York State Senate Woman of
Distinction, and was the first American of Italian decent to be honored
by the Columbus Foundation; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her three sons, Matthew, Chris-
tian and Robert, and her one grandson, Gabriel Charles, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; 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
honor Joann Ariola upon the occasion of being selected as Richmond Hill
South Civic's 2013 Outstanding Community Leader; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joann Ariola.