Senate Resolution No. 2683

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the John W. Abbuhl
Friend of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow
Arboretum on January 23, 2020

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals within the great State of New York that are dedicated to the
vital work of environmental protection; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the John W. Abbuhl Friend of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow
Arboretum to be celebrated at its second Annual Winter Gathering on
Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Pat's Barn in Rensselaer, New York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett is receiving this prestigious award for
his steadfast and unremitting commitment to The Pine Hollow Arboretum;
and

WHEREAS, Through the outstanding efforts of individuals such as Dr.
John D. Bennett, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to shape the next
generation of environmental stewards, educators and leaders; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2007, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to
preserve, manage and enhance native and introduced species of trees,
shrubs and other plants in a natural environment; its horticultural
collection consists of over 3,600 unique trees, shrubs and other woody
plants from around the world, some of which are rare and/or endangered;
and

WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett earned his medical degree from SUNY
Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a bachelor's degree from
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; he completed his residency in internal
medicine as well as a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany
Medical Center; currently, he is a Fellow of the American College of
Cardiology and the American College of Physicians; and

WHEREAS, He is Board certified by the National Board of Medical
Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine, with
subspecialties in internal medicine and cardiology; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett was named President and CEO of CDPHP in
2008, after serving as Chairman of the Board since 2003, Vice Chairman
since 1999, and Board member since 1996; and

WHEREAS, Prior to working at CDPHP, Dr. John D. Bennett held the
position of Chief of the division of cardiology at Albany Memorial
Hospital, was a member of Northeast Health Systems' Board of Directors,
and chaired the Department of Medicine; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett also served as CEO of Prime Care
Physicians, PPLC, where he practiced cardiology with Albany Associates
in Cardiology; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to both his community and profession, Dr. John D.
Bennett serves as Chair of the Boards of Directors for the
Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Healthcare
Information Xchange of New York (Hixny); he is also a vital member of
the boards of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, America's Health
Insurance Plans, Colonie Senior Service Centers, the American Red Cross
of Northeastern New York, the Center for Economic Growth, New York
eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), and the Palace Theatre; and

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud
the efforts of individuals such as John D. Bennett, MD who work
tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the
benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the John W. Abbuhl Friend of the Arboretum Award by The
Pine Hollow Arboretum on January 23, 2020; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to John D. Bennett, MD.