LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John J. Donnellan Jr. upon the occasion
of his retirement as Director of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare
System on June 25, 2009

WHEREAS, In the course of the evolving development of the Empire State,
there have emerged certain public servants of truly magnanimous conduct
and bearing; and we call these individuals "distinguished citizens" of
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend such a
distinguished public servant, John J. Donnellan Jr., upon the occasion
of his retirement as Director of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare
System to be celebrated at a party on Thursday, June 25, 2009, at
Sirico's Caterers, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, One of nine children, John J. Donnellan Jr. was born in East
Flatbush, New York, and attended Nazareth High School; and
WHEREAS, John J. Donnellan Jr. began his civil service career with the
Customs Department while still in college; upon graduation from St.
Francis College in 1972, he started to work at the Veterans Adminis-
tration Medical Center as an Educational Therapist; and
WHEREAS, John J. Donnellan Jr. later earned a Masters degree in Public
Administration from New York University's Graduate School of Public
Administration; at graduation, he was presented the Major Raymond A.
Lepesqueur Award for academic excellence; he is also a Fellow in the
American College of Healthcare Executives; and
WHEREAS, An exemplary leader, John J. Donnellan Jr. served in many
capacities throughout his 40 year civil service career including Assist-
ant Director and Associate Director for the New York Veterans Adminis-
tration Medical Center; he was appointed Medical Center Director of the
New York Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 1991, and also
served as the Acting Director of the Brooklyn Department of Veterans
Affairs Medical Center in 1997; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, John J. Donnellan Jr. was appointed the first Direc-
tor of the integrated VA New York Harbor Healthcare System (VANYHHS)
which included two Medical Centers and a Community Living Center; and
WHEREAS, As he retires, John J. Donnellan Jr. leaves behind an
extraordinary legacy of growth and professionalism in providing health-
care for Veterans in the greater metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Some of John J. Donnellan Jr.'s major accomplishments include
the successful merger of two Medical Centers and a Community Living
Center in 1999; the opening of two new additions at the New York and
Brooklyn Medical Centers; and the successful resolution of the Capital
Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services process; and
WHEREAS, John J. Donnellan Jr. is a passionate teacher who loves to
inspire others to achieve their best; his commitment to mentoring and
training is reflected in his participation as a preceptor and mentor in
VA's Graduate Healthcare Administration Training Program (GHATP) and VA
Executive Career Field Development Program; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his efforts of in-depth magnitude, John J.
Donnellan Jr. has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades;
he received the GHATP Board Annual Preceptor Award that recognizes a VA
preceptor who has contributed significantly to the education and train-
ing of administrative residents, fellows and health systems specialist
trainees; additionally, he was presented with the 2001 VA Secretary's
Award for the Advancement of Nursing Programs; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the President recognizes and celebrates a small
group of career Senior Executives and senior career employees with the
Presidential Rank Award; recipients of this prestigious award are strong

leaders, professionals, and scientists who achieve results and consist-
ently demonstrate strength, integrity, industry and a relentless commit-
ment to excellence in public service; and
WHEREAS, John J. Donnellan Jr. was recognized for his achievements by
receiving the Meritorious Executive Rank Award in 1996, 2002 and 2008,
and was a recipient in 1998 of the Distinguished Executive Rank Award;
and
WHEREAS, Of all his achievements, John J. Donnellan Jr. is most proud
of the fact that after the integration of the Brooklyn and Manhattan
Medical Centers, the New York Harbor Healthcare System was given full
accreditation by the Joint Commission, the nation's predominant stan-
dards-setting and accrediting body in health care; and
WHEREAS, In the faithful performance of his duties and responsibil-
ities, John J. Donnellan Jr.'s ongoing efforts and notable achievements
have significantly contributed to bettering the quality of healthcare
for all veterans throughout New York State; and
WHEREAS, For 40 years, John J. Donnellan Jr. has continually demon-
strated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and diligent
leadership in his unwavering service to his profession and veterans; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John J. Donnellan Jr. upon the occasion of his retirement as
Director of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, and to wish him
continued success in all of his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John J. Donnellan Jr.