LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring John D. Kemp upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the 2014 Dole Leadership Award on December
14, 2014

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John
D. Kemp upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the 2014
Dole Leadership Award by the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the
University of Kansas on Sunday, December 14, 2014; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award recognizes an individual or organiza-
tion whose public leadership inspires others, and who have made positive
impacts on the lives of people around the world; a tireless advocate for
disability rights, John D. Kemp joins former South African President
Nelson Mandela and former United States President George H.W. Bush as
past recipients of this award; and
WHEREAS, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Viscardi Center
since 2011, John D. Kemp holds degrees from Georgetown University and
the Washburn University School of Law; he has dedicated his life to
improving the quality of life for all people with disabilities, building
leaders of tomorrow and contributing members of society today; and
WHEREAS, The Viscardi Center, which is located on Willets Road in
Albertson, New York, is a network of non-profit organizations that
educates, employs and empowers children and adults with disabilities;
and
WHEREAS, Active within the community he so ably serves, John D. Kemp
has been a board member, chairman and chief executive officer of several
disability and nonprofit organizations; he has served on the Medicaid
Commission and the U.S. State Department's Advisory Committee on Persons
With Disabilities; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, John D. Kemp co-founded the American Association of
People With Disabilities, and in 2001 became a partner at the Washing-
ton, D.C. law firm Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C.; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2012, he was asked to serve on the state's
Ready Commission, which prepares to maintain health care, transporta-
tion, communication and energy services in future disasters; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which John D. Kemp has displayed through-
out his life; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom 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; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for John D. Kemp and to wish him contin-
ued success in all of his future endeavors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor John D. Kemp upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the 2014 Dole Leadership Award on December 14, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to John D. Kemp.