Senate Resolution No. 78

BY: Senator BRESLIN

HONORING James J. Barba upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by the Baby
Institute on February 21, 2019

WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the
compassion of individuals such as James J. Barba who uphold the values
of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the
best of humanity; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor James J.
Barba upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
the Baby Institute at its Inaugural Awards Celebration on Thursday,
February 21, 2019, at The Renaissance Hotel, Albany, New York; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 2010, the Baby Institute is a grassroots
organization which focuses on children and parents in Albany's most
underserved neighborhoods - Arbor Hill, West Hill and the South End; its
mission is to increase the number of children entering school ready to
learn by increasing their literacy and language skills; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba will be recognized with this auspicious
award for his vision and commitment to the local community; and

WHEREAS, As President and CEO of Albany Medical Center, James J.
Barba recently directed the most ambitious expansion of the institution
since its founding in 1839, and the largest such project in the region's
history; this eight-year project is transforming the New Scotland-Park
South neighborhood where the Center stands; and

WHEREAS, Renowned in the arena of health care and health care
reform, James J. Barba has served on numerous special commissions and
councils by gubernatorial appointment and at the request of his peers,
including the Board of Directors of the Health Care Association of New
York State, with which he worked to re-design the Medicaid program to
make it more efficient and effective; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba was also Chair of the Board of Trustees of
the Trudeau Institute, a biomedical research organization in Saranac
Lake; he also served as Chair of the state's Special Advisory Commission
to Restore Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the nation's largest
not-for-profit health care insurer; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, James J. Barba has served on the boards of numerous local
regional economic development organizations, including the Center for
Economic Growth and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, In 2011, James J. Barba was named by Governor Andrew Cuomo
to the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council, one of 10
across the state, charged with creating a new model to stimulate
economic development and create jobs in the region; he currently serves
as the council's Co-Chair; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors of Park
Playhouse, a free summer theater in Albany Medical Center's
neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, James J. Barba has been the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades over the years, including his most recent
recognition as a Citizen Laureate by the University at Albany for his
transformational and progressive leadership; and

WHEREAS, A frequent lecturer and author on health care topics and
health care policy, James J. Barba was formerly senior counsel to the
Albany law firm of Hiscock & Barclay and is a graduate, cum laude, of
the University of Notre Dame Law School, and a graduate, summa cum
laude, of Siena College, from which he also holds an honorary doctorate;
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
James J. Barba, 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 James J. Barba upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by the Baby Institute on February 21, 2019; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to James J. Barba.