Senate Resolution No. 2762

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING Robert Curley upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by The College
of Saint Rose on June 15, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens who would devote their life's work
and purpose to community service, contributing to the welfare of the
citizens of their communities and this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Robert Curley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by The College of Saint Rose, to be celebrated at its "A
Community of Excellence" Luncheon on Thursday, June 15, 2017, at
Wolferts Roost Country Club, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, A career banker, community leader, and respected mentor,
Robert Curley is the Chairman of Berkshire Bank in New York, and serves
on the Board of Directors of Berkshire Hills Bankcorp; and

WHEREAS, Robert Curley's distinguished career in the banking
industry began as a bank teller; through his sincere dedication and hard
work, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Key Bank of
Long Island at the age of 37; and

WHEREAS, After relocating to the Capital Region to assume the
presidency of Key's flagship bank in Albany, Robert Curley rose to the
esteemed position of Vice Chairman, overseeing banks from Maine to
Alaska; and

WHEREAS, In 1999, Robert Curley accepted the position as President
and CEO of Albank, which would evolve into Charter One, and become one
of the 20 largest banks in the country; after Citizens' acquisition of
Charter One, he maintained leadership roles as Chairman of Citizens
Bank, N.A., and President of its New York subsidiary; during his
eight-year tenure with Berkshire, the company quadrupled in size; and

WHEREAS, Active in the community, Robert Curley has been chairman of
numerous organizations and campaigns, including Catholic Charities,
Coaches vs. Cancer, Wildwood Programs, Doane Stuart, the Sports
Foundation, Junior Achievement, and the United Way; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he has served on the boards of Siena College,
The New York Bankers Association, Double H Ranch, The Center for
Economic Growth, Capitalize Albany, and New York Business Development
Corporation; and

WHEREAS, In 2009, Robert Curley was inducted into the Tech Valley
Business Hall of Fame, and was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Award
for Community Leadership; he has been recognized by numerous
organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Boy Scouts of
America, the Little Sisters of the Poor, Northern Rivers, and JDRF; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in 2011, the University at Albany honored
Robert Curley with the Citizen Laureate Award, and this past year, The
Albany Business Review presented him with its Achievers Award, as
Executive of the Year; and

WHEREAS, A strong proponent of mentoring others, Robert Curley has
been instrumental in the success of his team members, 39 of whom went on
to become bank presidents; additionally, he is actively involved in the
Capital Region Chamber's YPN Executive Mentorship Program; and

WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body
to honor and support those individuals who have displayed their
commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent
of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to
Robert Curley, that future generations may know and appreciate his
admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and
esteem in which he is held by his peers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Robert Curley upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by The College of Saint Rose on June 15, 2017; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Robert Curley.