Senate Resolution No. 2123

BY: Senator GOLDEN

COMMENDING Don Shacknai upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Housing and
Family Services of Greater New York, Inc. on June
15, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom 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
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
commend Don Shacknai upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc. to
be celebrated at its 27th Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, June 15,
2017, at Rex Manor in Brooklyn, New York; and

WHEREAS, For more than four decades, Housing and Family Services of
Greater New York, formerly known as Brooklyn Housing & Family Services,
has been assisting and educating tenants, building owners, and community
leaders; through its Tenant Committees, the organization has
successfully initiated building improvements and combated the
deterioration of housing stock in its Borough; and

WHEREAS, Since 1971, Housing and Family Services of Greater New York
has strived to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve the quality of
housing in its community; during the last few years, it has expanded the
scope of its program dramatically, attempting to bond a newer, stronger
cooperation between tenants and building owners; and

WHEREAS, Following Don Shacknai's graduation from Bucknell
University, he went on to work in New York City as a social worker and
served as an advocate with several non-profit organizations; after
furthering his education at Cornell Law School, he was a clerk at the
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit; and

WHEREAS, Following his tenure in the court system, Don Shacknai went
on to work as an associate at Simpson Thacher and Bartlett's litigation
department; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, Don Shacknai became Deputy General Counsel for the
New York City Administration for Children's Services, a position he held
for five years; and

WHEREAS, From 2010-2013, Don Shacknai went on to serve as FDNY's
First Deputy Fire Commissioner; in this capacity, he was the primary
management and policy advisor to the Fire Commissioner and directly
oversaw all Department Strategic Planning, Compliance, Analytics,
Medical and External Affairs activities; in addition, he served as FDNY
General Counsel, overseeing Legal Counsel, Litigation, Investigative and
Disciplinary bureaus; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Don Shacknai serves as First Deputy Commissioner
at New York City's Department of Housing Preservation and Development
(HPD); in this role, he oversees more than 1,500 employees in
technology, budget and fiscal services, analytics, enforcement and
neighborhood services, asset and property management, and legal hearings
and appeals; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Don Shacknai 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
commend Don Shacknai upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by Housing and Family Services of Greater New York, Inc.;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Don Shacknai.