LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Barbara Fiala upon the occasion of her
retirement as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles after many years of distinguished public service

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals
whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stat-
ure of the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that
the quality and character of life in communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who are devoted to the welfare of their community and its citizen-
ry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Barbara Fiala upon the occasion of her retirement as Commissioner of the
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles after many years of distin-
guished public service; and
WHEREAS, Born to Arthur and Mary Testani in Binghamton, New York, as
the youngest of nine children, Barbara Fiala received her education at
Broome Community College and Binghamton University; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Fiala began her illustrious career in public service
in 1998, when she became the first woman elected to the countywide
office of County Clerk; she held this position until 2004, during which
time she was elected as the first female Broome County Executive; and
WHEREAS, Sincerely loved and greatly respected by all those with whom
she worked, Barbara Fiala will be remembered for her honesty, integrity,
keen sense of duty and ability to show a unique grasp of human problems
in her official acts; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Fiala was appointed by the Governor of New York State
as Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in February of
2011; during her four year tenure in this esteemed position, Barbara was
instrumental in the agency's considerable shift toward offering services
online; and
WHEREAS, Elected as President of the New York State Association of
County Executives, Barbara Fiala currently serves as a Board Member of
the New York Association of Counties and Broome County Industrial Devel-
opment Agency as well as the County Executives of America where she is
also President-elect; and
WHEREAS, In addition, she is a Committee Member of the National Asso-
ciation of Counties, Treasurer at the American Civic Association in
Binghamton, and member of both the Order Sons of Italy in America and
the Binghamton Breakfast Rotary Club; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Anthony, their two
sons, Anthony Jr. and V. James, and two grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her
achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blend-
ing of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demon-
strated by Barbara Fiala over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to
others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barbara Fiala upon the occasion of her retirement as Commissioner
of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles after many years of
distinguished public service, and to wish her continued success in all
of her future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barbara Fiala.