LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by the Minority and Women Busi-
nesses Enterprises on March 20, 2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to take note of and
publicly acknowledge individuals who have distinguished themselves
through their exemplary careers, accomplishments and purposeful lives of
service to their community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Minority and Women Businesses Enterprises at a recep-
tion to be held on Friday, March 20, 2009, at Club 101, New York City,
New York; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner was recently appointed as Chief Diversity
Officer for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority; he is responsible
for the development and expansion of Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise programs; MWBE/DBE Contract Integrity Monitoring
functions; Title VI and Equal Opportunity responsibilities; and other
existing activities and functions of the Office of Civil Rights; and
WHEREAS, A magnificent champion for Women and Minority Business Enter-
prises, Michael J. Garner has more than 20 years of experience in devel-
oping and creating business opportunities for minority and women-owned
businesses which have fostered economic development and produced count-
less jobs for New York; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his recent appointment, Michael J. Garner was the
Senior Director of Business Development at New York City School
Construction Authority (SCA); in this capacity, he was responsible for
the short and long term business development of qualified emerging
Minority, Women-Owned and Locally Based Business Enterprises (MWLBEs);
and
WHEREAS, Under Michael J. Garner's direction, the SCA created one of
the most comprehensive small business development and inclusion programs
in the nation; his plan greatly expanded opportunities for MWBEs by
creating a Graduate Mentor Program and forming a surety bonding program,
which provided surety bonds to 22 MWLBEs; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner also oversaw the implementation of a small
business loan program, that provided 44 small business loans to MWLBEs,
as well as an extensive construction and information technology training
program tailored to the SCA's construction means and methods; and
WHEREAS, Prior to his 15-year career at the SCA, Michael J. Garner was
employed at the New York City Housing Authority where his work included
the certification of firms, contract compliance, minority and women-
owned business development outreach and procurement management; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in
Business Management from the State University of New York, College at
Buffalo and is close to completing his studies for a Master of Business
Administration from SUNY; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Garner is a man of singular distinction, whose
wisdom, guidance and most of all unparalleled professionalism, have
earned him the admiration, esteem and affection of all those be has come
in contact with throughout his distinguished career; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned recognition and applause; now, there-
fore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael J. Garner upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Minority and Women Businesses Enterprises; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael J. Garner.