LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Brent D. Cooley upon the occasion of his
retirement after 26 years of distinguished service to the Cayuga-Ononda-
ga BOCES

WHEREAS, New York State's commitment to education is unparalleled; its
history and stature are secured by the superlative caliber of its educa-
tional professionals and the students they inspire; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of those outstanding
leaders, whose dedication and achievements have been instrumental in
advancing character and academic excellence in the young people of New
York State; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Brent D.
Cooley upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of distin-
guished service to the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES to be celebrated on Friday,
February 19th, 2016, in Auburn, New York; and
WHEREAS, For the past 26 years, Brent D. Cooley has rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service as a Labor Relations Specialist to
Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES; and he will officially retire on February 23rd,
2016; and
WHEREAS, A native of Canandaigua, New York, Brent D. Cooley earned his
Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart College in 1974, and obtained his
Juris Doctor from Syracuse University Law School in 1976; and
WHEREAS, After completing his studies, Brent D. Cooley worked for
several years in a law practice in the Maryland and Washington, DC
areas, where he gained experience in collective bargaining and labor
relations; and
WHEREAS, Since 1990, this esteemed individual has served the educa-
tional community with loyalty, honor and distinction as a Labor
Relations Specialist at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES; and
WHEREAS, During his illustrious tenure, Brent D. Cooley expertly
carried out the duties of his position, and always showed a unique grasp
of human problems in his official acts; in recognition of his excep-
tional efforts, he was designated Senior Labor Relations Specialist in
2008; and
WHEREAS, Brent D. Cooley has been called upon to contribute his time
and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always
given of himself unstintingly; he served as President of Management
Advocates for School Labor Affairs, and is a member of both the New York
Bar Association and Maryland Bar Association; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Brent D. Cooley is a member of the Vestry at St.
Peter's Church in Geneva, New York, and has supported Midlakes Youth
Soccer; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his mother, Helen Kirker, his
wife of 38 years, Eileen, and their three children, Matthew, Maureen and
Elisabeth, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and
rejoice in his achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Brent D. Cooley has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, 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 Brent D. Cooley upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years
of distinguished service to the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brent D. Cooley.