Senate Resolution No. 1031

BY: Senator MATTERA

HONORING Chris Vaccaro upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the New York
Conference of Italian American Legislators on May
19, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
celebrate exemplary individuals whose lives and work enrich the cultural
fabric and civic life of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud honor
Chris Vaccaro upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American Legislators
on Monday, May 19, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro, a proud Italian American and distinguished
leader in media, education, and community advocacy, has demonstrated an
unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting his heritage and the
shared values of the Italian American experience; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro currently serves as U.S. Press Officer for
the Federation of Italian Baseball and Softball, Executive Trustee of
the Italian American Baseball Foundation, President and Founder of the
Italian American Heritage Society of Long Island, and Ambassador of Long
Island for We the Italians, contributing to the growth and visibility of
Italian heritage at both the national and international levels; and

WHEREAS, A national voice within the Italian American community,
Chris Vaccaro contributes regularly as a columnist for Ambassador
Magazine published by the National Italian American Foundation, co-hosts
the Renaissance Minds Podcast on WRHU 88.7-FM, and serves on the
committee of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, lending
his voice and expertise to the ongoing celebration of Italian American
achievement; and

WHEREAS, In the field of journalism and media, Chris Vaccaro stands
among the most decorated professionals of his generation; he is a
two-time Emmy Award winner and ten-time recipient of the Edward R.
Murrow Award; he has been inducted into the Long Island Journalism Hall
of Fame, the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Sachem
Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring contributions; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro's professional career is distinguished by
executive leadership roles, including his current position as Vice
President of Digital Technology and Communications at Ark Technology, as
well as influential appointments at Topps, News 12, Cheddar, and Playfly
Sports, where he has been at the forefront of transforming legacy media
and sports organizations through innovative digital and AI-driven
strategies; and

WHEREAS, A devoted educator, Chris Vaccaro has significantly
contributed to the next generation of journalists as a professor and
former Director of Graduate Journalism at Hofstra University; his

excellence in education and media has earned him appointment as a
Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. Department of State, recognizing his
international impact in these fields; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro currently serves as President of the Suffolk
County Sports Hall of Fame, is a Past President and Trustee of the Press
Club of Long Island, and holds the office of Vice President and
President-Elect of the National Society of Professional Journalists,
affirming his leadership and influence across the journalism profession;
and

WHEREAS, As an accomplished author, his most recent book, America's
Front Line, debuted at No. 1 on Amazon's Law Enforcement list, further
cementing his voice as a trusted authority in public affairs; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro's journalism has been published in The New
York Times, Rolling Stone, Associated Press, The Athletic, among many
others, and he has appeared as an expert commentator on platforms
including ESPN, CBS, FOX, and Sirius XM; and

WHEREAS, Among the many prestigious honors recognizing his
outstanding achievements are the Beacon Award from the Ellis Island
Honors Society, the Leadership Award from the Italian Language
Foundation, the AATI Dante Award, Hofstra University's Young Alumnus of
the Year, as well as repeated inclusion on Long Island's "Power List"
and 40-under-40 distinctions from both Stony Brook University and Long
Island Business News; and

WHEREAS, Chris Vaccaro exemplifies the very best of Italian American
excellence-upholding tradition, fostering mentorship, and advancing
cultural pride through leadership, innovation, and public service; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his outstanding contributions to
heritage, media, and civic life, it is most fitting that Chris Vaccaro
be honored not only as a recipient of the Italian American Heritage
Award but also as a Grand Marshal for his enduring commitment to the
values and legacy of the Italian American community; now, therefore, be
it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Chris Vaccaro upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the New York Conference of Italian American Legislators
on May 19, 2025, and to extend its highest commendation for his tireless
efforts to champion Italian American culture, civic engagement, and
professional excellence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Chris Vaccaro.