Senate Resolution No. 2958

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the
occasion of her retirement after 22 years of
distinguished service as President and CEO of the
Buffalo Urban League, Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the occasion of her
retirement after 22 years of distinguished service as President and CEO
of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie has served as President and CEO of
the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. since October of 1998; in this most
esteemed capacity, her energy, talent and dedication has made real,
positive changes in the lives of countless people in the Western New
York community; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Brenda Williams McDuffie, the
Buffalo Urban League has grown to serve more than 20,000 individuals
annually, addressing their economic and social needs; she and her team
have achieved recognition for their exemplary work strengthening
families, improving education outcomes and increasing economic
opportunities for individuals and businesses; and

WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Brenda Williams
McDuffie received her undergraduate degree from Buffalo State College
before earning a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development from
the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Management; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie began her illustrious career as a
paralegal aide for Neighborhood Legal Services; she worked for the City
of Buffalo Human Resources Department as Senior Manpower Coordinator and
later served as Director of Planning at the Private Industry Council
(PIC) where she went on to become Executive Director in 1994; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Brenda Williams McDuffie also served as
President of the New York State Association of Employment and Training
Professionals (NYATEP), where she co-chaired and was a member of the
steering committee which produced the recommendations for New York
State's future Workforce Development System; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her
community, Brenda Williams McDuffie is immediate past President of
Leadership Buffalo and Secretary for Independent Health Association, as
well as a member of the Board of Directors for Western New York
Foundation, Buffalo State College, the Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, and
the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau; and

WHEREAS, An active member of Elim Christian Fellowship, Brenda
Williams McDuffie is also on the Trustee Council for Kaleida Health
Systems; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie is the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades, including The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year
Award, NAACP Community Service Award, Business First's Forty Under 40
Award, and the United Way's Volunteer of the Year Award; and

WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Gerald, and
their three children, Geralinda, Myllissa and Gerald, all of whom feel
privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie has truly dedicated her life to
serving others; her sincere acknowledgement of the value and gifts of
each individual has given her a unique ability to effectively work with
people from all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Brenda Williams McDuffie over a lifetime of sacrifice
and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the occasion of her
retirement after 22 years of distinguished service as President and CEO
of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc.; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Brenda Williams McDuffie.