Senate Resolution No. 1529

BY: Senator AKSHAR

HONORING Arthur Johnson upon the occasion of his
retirement after many years of distinguished service
as Broome County Social Services and Mental Health
Commissioner

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
individuals who are devoted to the welfare of their 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
Arthur Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of
distinguished service as Broome County Social Services and Mental Health
Commissioner, to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at the
Holiday Inn, Binghamton, New York; and

WHEREAS, With more than three decades of experience in Behavioral
Health and Social Services administration, Arthur Johnson began his
illustrious career as Broome County Mental Health Commissioner in 1999;
two years later he was also designated as the County's Social Services
Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, Prior to holding this most esteemed position, Arthur
Johnson served as an Adjunct Professor at both Broome Community College
from 1998 to 2006, and Wilkes University; furthermore, he was the
Program Director at Tioga County Alcohol & Drug Services, and a Mental
Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Specialist; and

WHEREAS, In addition, throughout his career, Arthur Johnson has
served in numerous leadership positions including Executive Director of
Fairview Recovery Services, Inc., and Deputy Commissioner of Community
Services at Tioga County Department of Mental Hygiene; and

WHEREAS, After receiving an Associate's degree from Keystone Junior
College and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Wilkes University,
Arthur Johnson went on to earn a Master of Social Work degree in Social
Work Administration from Temple University; and

WHEREAS, Arthur Johnson also attended the Harvard University John F.
Kennedy School of Government where he completed its Executive Education
program, Innovations in Government and Leadership in the 21st Century;
he is a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a PA &
International Certified Addictions Counselor; and

WHEREAS, A man of true integrity, Arthur Johnson has served
countless organizations some of which include: the Broome County
Homeless Coalition, New York State Conference of Local Mental Hygiene

Directors, Broome County Coordinated Children's Services Initiative,
Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council, National Council of
County Behavioral Health Directors and the New York State Public Welfare
Association; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as Social Services and Mental Health
Commissioner, Arthur Johnson has rendered faithful, conscientious and
valuable service to Broome County, earning him the admiration, esteem
and affection of his colleagues; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Arthur Johnson over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Nancy, and five
children, Laurie, Aric, Christopher, Douglas, and Andrew, who have all
shown him love and support and rejoice in all of his achievements; 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 Arthur Johnson upon the occasion of his retirement after many
years of distinguished service as Broome County Social Services and
Mental Health Commissioner; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Arthur Johnson.