LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Michael J. Castellana upon the occasion
of his designation as recipient of the Golden Lion Award by the Order
Sons of Italy in America, Roma Intangible Lodge No. 215

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize and acknowledge those within our midst who have made signif-
icant contributions to the quality of life therein; and
WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Michael J.
Castellana upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Golden Lion Award by the Order Sons of Italy in America, Roma Intangible
Lodge No. 215; this momentous occasion was celebrated at its 102nd Anni-
versary Gala on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at the Mansion at Century
Hill, Selkirk, New York; and
WHEREAS, President and CEO of SEFCU, Michael J. Castellana is being
honored with this auspicious award for embracing the philosophy of
"People Helping People," and for his steadfast commitment to changing
people's lives; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Castellana began his illustrious career with the
credit union as a member of the Executive Management Team in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as President and CEO, Michael J.
Castellana has been a catalyst for the organization to become the larg-
est credit union in the Capital Region and the seventh in New York
State; he has overseen six mergers of the credit union in the Capital
Region, the Southern Tier of New York and the Buffalo Region; and
WHEREAS, A renowned leader in the industry, Michael J. Castellana has
been chosen to Chair the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Community
Depository Institutions Advisory Council, and serves as President of the
Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System; and
WHEREAS, In addition, this esteemed man was appointed by Governor
Andrew Cuomo to the University Council at the University at Albany in
2013, and currently serves as its Chairman; and
WHEREAS, Michael J. Castellana truly embodies the notion of giving
back to the community by serving as the Chairman of the SEFCU Foundation
which provides resources to support children's causes; and
WHEREAS, Active within the community he so ably serves, Michael J.
Castellana gives of his time and energies to many local organizations
including, the University at Albany Foundation, Fuller Road Management
Corporation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board, the Albany Promise
Executive Council, Credit Union National Association, and the Govern-
mental Affairs Committee of the New York Credit Union Association; he
also serves on the Board of Directors of the Capitalize Albany Corpo-
ration; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Michael J. Castellana has stood
constant in dignity, good grace and humor; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of his community which Michael J. Castellana has
displayed throughout his life; 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 the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael J. Castellana upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of the Golden Lion Award by the Order Sons of Italy in Ameri-
ca, Roma Intangible Lodge No. 215; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael J. Castellana.