Senate Resolution No. 2886

BY: Senator KENNEDY

CONGRATULATING Rhonda Frederick upon the occasion
of her retirement as President and Chief Executive
Officer of People Inc.

WHEREAS, Individuals and organizations devoted to improving the
quality of life for others, enabling them to build lives of dignity and
self-worth are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; and

WHEREAS, From time to time, society calls upon these individuals and
organizations to be recognized for the significance of their
contributions and efforts to assist others in developing the skills
necessary to be successful, productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Rhonda Frederick upon the occasion of her retirement as President and
Chief Executive Officer of People Inc.; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Frederick began her illustrious career at People
Inc. in 1980 in an entry-level direct support position, working in both
group homes and day habilitation programs; she steadily moved up the
ladder over the years, a rise culminating in her being appointed
President and CEO of Western New York's largest human service provider
in the fall of 2014; and

WHEREAS, In this capacity, Rhonda Frederick is forging the way for
People Inc. as government mandates call for a managed care model and
innovative ventures are created to diversify the organization; and

WHEREAS, Prior to becoming CEO, Rhonda Frederick served as People
Inc.'s Chief Operating Officer and had oversight of 93 percent of People
Inc.'s $143 million operating budget and its 3,400 employees; she also
oversaw all residential, day services, service coordination, in-home
supports, senior services and health-related services and had
administrative oversight of quality improvement, government relations,
program development and legal; and

WHEREAS, As COO, Rhonda Frederick served as the agency's lead
relationship builder and liaison with important regulatory and funding
agencies such as the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
(OPWDD), Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO), U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), NYS Homes and
Community Renewal, NYS Department of Health and NYS Office for the
Aging; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Frederick was instrumental in starting People Inc.
Senior Living, working with HUD and expanding into numerous locations to
create affordable, safe and enjoyable apartments for older adults who
meet federally-mandated income guidelines; the agency now has 20
apartment buildings throughout Western New York; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to helping
others, Rhonda Frederick currently serves as President of the
Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY), an

organization which fosters collaboration among agencies who support
people with developmental disabilities and gives them a single voice in
Albany; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, she is the Board Chair for Person Centered
Services (PCS) and currently serves on the boards of Episcopal Church
Home and Affiliates, Inc., Hilbert College, New York State Industries
for the Disabled (NYSIDD), Special Olympics NY, Amherst Meals on Wheels
and Accountable Health Community Inc.; she also sits on the Board of
Regents for Canisius College and the Executive Committee of the Buffalo
Niagara Partnership; and

WHEREAS, Active in the community, Rhonda Frederick serves on the
steering committee for WNY iCan Bike (formerly Lose the Training
Wheels), which provides unique learning opportunities in recreational
activities for people with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, The proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades,
Rhonda Frederick received the Dr. Evan Calkins Award for Meritorious
Service from the Network in Aging of Western New York for her
significant contributions to her field; in 2018, she was awarded the
Sarah G. Metzger Human Rights Award from Housing Opportunities Made
Equal and in 2019, The Human Services Council of New York chose Rhonda
for the Notable Women in Human Services Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, In addition, she was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni
by Canisius College in 2017, and the Rochester Institute of Technology
in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Rhonda Frederick presented at TEDxBuffalo in 2015 about the
benefits of employing people with disabilities; since 2009, she has been
recognized by Buffalo Business First repeatedly among their Women of
Influence, Health Care 50, Power 100 Women, Power 200 Women and the
Power 250 in Western New York; she also earned the 2016 Professional of
the Year Award from LeadingAge New York; and

WHEREAS, A resident of Amherst, New York, Rhonda Frederick earned a
bachelor's degree in social work from Rochester Institute of Technology
and a master's degree in public administration from Canisius College;
and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Rhonda Frederick over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Rhonda Frederick upon the occasion of her retirement, and
to wish her well in all her future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rhonda Frederick.