Honor Don Shacknai Achievement

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.