Assembly Resolution No. 680

BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes

CONGRATULATING Paul Marzello upon the occasion of
his retirement after eight years of distinguished
service as President and CEO of Buffalo & Erie
County Naval & Military Park

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Paul Marzello, upon the occasion of his retirement after
eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo &
Erie County Naval & Military Park, in 2025; and

WHEREAS, The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, the
nation's largest inland naval park and a treasured local institution
dedicated to honoring military service and educating the public, has had
the competent leadership of Paul Marzello, as President and CEO, since
2017; and

WHEREAS, Under Paul Marzello's leadership, the Park has experienced
tremendous growth and renewed visibility across Western New York and
beyond; his tenure has been marked by meaningful progress in
organizational development, expanded educational programming, capital
improvements, and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Paul Marzello oversaw critical preservation efforts of the
USS The Sullivans, including securing national media attention and
galvanizing public support for the vessel's restoration, and
strengthened relationships with veterans' organizations, civic leaders,
and educational institutions to deepen the Park's mission and reach; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Paul Marzello established the first Master
Plan in the Park's history, creating a strategic roadmap for future
growth and development, expanded educational programming, including the
development of new STEM initiatives and partnerships with local schools,
and fostered the growth and improvement of the facility, funding, and
visitor experience; and

WHEREAS, Known for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment
to honoring the United States veterans and preserving our Nation's
military history, Paul Marzello will leave a legacy which will have a
lasting impact on the Park, the community, and the countless visitors
who walk the decks annually; and

WHEREAS, Paul Marzello feels honored to serve as President and CEO,
advancing a mission he deeply embraced, and proud of leading his team to
make transformational advancements and building strong bridges with
other organizations; and

WHEREAS, As the organization looks toward the future, it remains
committed to its core mission of honoring veterans' service, educating

visitors about naval and military history, inspiring patriotism and
civic engagement, and preserving historic naval vessels and artifacts
for future generations; and

WHEREAS, The Park serves as a vital cultural resource for Western
New York, welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually and providing
immersive educational experiences for students, families, and history
enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, Paul Marzello has earned the admiration, esteem, and
affection of his colleagues; his distinctive accomplishments culminate a
distinguished career with the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military
Park; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Paul Marzello upon the occasion of his retirement after
eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo &
Erie County Naval & Military Park; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Paul Marzello.