Senate Resolution No. 1222

BY: Senator SKOUFIS

HONORING Joan Cusack-McGuirk upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the 25th Ottaway
Medal by the Orange County Citizens Foundation on
May 9, 2019

WHEREAS, New York is the Empire State because of the wonderful
service residents perform for their communities; and

WHEREAS, It is appropriate and inspiring to acknowledge the
achievements of individuals who contribute to the vitality of their
communities and the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Joan
Cusack-McGuirk upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the
25th Ottaway Medal by the Orange County Citizens Foundation on May 9,
2019; and

WHEREAS, Joan Cusack-McGuirk is receiving this esteemed medal for
her many contributions to the health, well-being and quality of life in
Orange County and the Hudson Valley; and

WHEREAS, Joan Cusack-McGuirk is a highly respected leader in
healthcare and has served nearly four decades in the field; and

WHEREAS, A Long Island native, Joan Cusack-McGuirk graduated from
St. Vincent's Hospital School of Nursing and Medical Center in New York
City; she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from SUNY New
Paltz and a Master's degree from New York University; she is also a
graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Wharton Fellows Program; and

WHEREAS, Joan began her career in health care as a registered nurse
in New York City; and

WHEREAS, Joan Cusack-McGuirk has served more than 30 years at St.
Luke's Cornwall Hospital, which has campuses in both Newburgh and
Cornwall; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Joan Cusack-McGuirk was appointed Chief Executive
Officer and President of the hospital, now known as Montefiore St.
Luke's Cornwall Hospital; previously, she had been the hospital's Senior
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer; and

WHEREAS, Joan Cusack-McGuirk has led the hospital through
significant challenges to keep pace with the changing healthcare
delivery system; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Joan Cusack-McGuirk developed the hospital's
Care Transition Program, a multidisciplinary model of care to provide
cost-effective, quality care in and out of the hospital; and

WHEREAS, Joan Cusack-McGuirk also served as President of the New
York Organization of Nurse Executives; and

WHEREAS, This extraordinary woman has contributed her energy and
expertise to many community organizations including: Safe Homes of
Orange County, the SUNY Orange Bridges Program, Newburgh Armory Unity
Center, Rotary Club of Greater Newburgh, the Orange County Chamber of
Commerce and Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress; 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 Joan Cusack-McGuirk upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the 25th Ottaway Medal by the Orange County Citizens
Foundation on May 9, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Joan Cusack-McGuirk.