Senate Resolution No. 5818

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING James J. Barba upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2018 Shining Star
Award by Park Playhouse

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; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
James J. Barba upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
2018 Shining Star Award by Park Playhouse, to be celebrated at its 30th
Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, July 5, 2018, in Albany's Historic
Washington Park; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba will receive this auspicious award for his
incredible leadership and support of the Capital Region arts community;
and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba has been President and Chief Executive
Officer of Albany Medical Center, the only academic health sciences
center in northeastern New York, since 1995; he also served as the
Chairman of its Board of Directors from 1994 until 2006; and

WHEREAS, In his esteemed role as President and CEO, James J. Barba
oversees the largest hospital in 25 counties, as well as Albany Medical
College, one of the nation's oldest medical schools; he is also in
charge of a massive research operation, a workforce of more than 8,000,
and a Physician Practice Group of nearly 500 physicians; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba recently directed the most ambitious
expansion of the institution since its founding in 1839, and the largest
such project in the region's history; this eight-year project is
transforming the New Scotland-Park South neighborhood where the Center
stands; and

WHEREAS, Renowned in the arena of health care and health care
reform, James J. Barba has served on numerous special commissions and
councils by gubernatorial appointment and at the request of his peers,
including the Board of Directors of the Health Care Association of New
York State, with which he worked to re-design the Medicaid program to
make it more efficient and effective; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba was also Chair of the Board of Trustees of
the Trudeau Institute, a biomedical research organization in Saranac
Lake; he also served as Chair of the state's Special Advisory Commission
to Restore Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the nation's largest
not-for-profit health care insurer; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, James J. Barba has served on the boards of numerous local

regional economic development organizations, including the Center for
Economic Growth and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, James J. Barba was named by Governor Andrew Cuomo
to the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council, one of 10
across the state, charged with creating a new model to stimulate
economic development and create jobs in the region; he currently serves
as the council's Co-Chair; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of Park
Playhouse, a free summer theater in Albany Medical Center's
neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades over the years, including his most recent
recognition as a Citizen Laureate by the University at Albany for his
transformational and progressive leadership; and

WHEREAS, A frequent lecturer and author on health care topics and
health care policy, James J. Barba was formerly senior counsel to the
Albany law firm of Hiscock & Barclay and is a graduate, cum laude, of
the University of Notre Dame Law School, and a graduate, summa cum
laude, of Siena College, from which he also holds an honorary doctorate;
and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor James J. Barba upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the 2018 Shining Star Award by Park Playhouse; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James J. Barba.