LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Marilyn Gelber upon the occasion of
being honored in conjunction with Women's History Month 2014 in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and pay
tribute to those women of achievement within the Empire State who have
made strong contributions to their communities and who inspire others
through their model citizenship; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Marilyn Gelber upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction with
Women's History Month 2014 in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made
invaluable contributions to the growth and strength of New York State in
countless recorded and unrecorded ways; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the State of New York officially sets aside time
to recognize the achievements and lives of such exemplary women, repre-
sentatives of the wide-ranging and vital roles women have played in the
historic development of this great Empire State and its communities; the
theme of this year's commemoration is "Celebrating Women of Character,
Courage, and Commitment"; and
WHEREAS, Philanthropic and civic leader Marilyn Gelber has been a
potent force for improving the quality of life in New York City's neigh-
borhoods for nearly four decades; throughout her illustrious and varied
career, she has consistently epitomized the values of character, cour-
age, and commitment in her unwavering service to her peers, colleagues,
and fellow citizens; and
WHEREAS, Marilyn Gelber is the creator and President of the Brooklyn
Community Foundation, a vital charitable organization that provides
unique opportunities for philanthropists to support initiatives address-
ing the complex challenges of Brooklyn, New York's 70 neighborhoods and
2.5 million people; and
WHEREAS, A life-long New Yorker, Marilyn Gelber has a demonstrated
commitment to improving the quality of life in her native city; prior to
creating the Brooklyn Community Foundation, she was the founding Execu-
tive Director of the Independence Community Bank Foundation, Brooklyn's
largest private charitable foundation, which invested in a broad range
of community and economic development, educational and environmental
initiatives throughout the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Marilyn Gelber also served her fellow New Yorkers in the
public sector for 28 years as an urban planner and administrator; she
was the first woman Commissioner of the New York City Department of
Environmental Protection, was Chief of Staff to former Brooklyn Borough
President Howard Golden, and was Director of Neighborhood Strategy Plan-
ning for the New York City Department of City Planning; and
WHEREAS, The comprehensive scope of Marilyn Gelber's vision for a
sparkling, vibrant and dynamic city also led to her roles as the New
York City Comptroller's appointee to the New York City Procurement Poli-
cy Board, Mayoral appointee to the New York City Water Board, and holder
of the Brooklyn seat on the New York City Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, Marilyn Gelber has received numerous accolades for her work;
she was presented with an honorary doctorate from St. Joseph's College,
and was awarded the President's Medal by Brooklyn College; she also
received the Ruth Moskowitz award from the Kings County Supreme Court,
and was recognized with the Freedom Star award by the Brooklyn branch of
the NAACP; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her service to her community
and the State of New York, Marilyn Gelber has stood constant in dignity,
good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Marilyn Gelber and to wish her
continued success in all of her future endeavors; 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
commend Marilyn Gelber upon the occasion of being honored in conjunction
with Women's History Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Marilyn Gelber.