Honor Arthur Johnson Retirement

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.