Honor John Henley’s Retirement

2016 WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John E. Henley upon the occasion of his retirement after six years of distinguished service to Northern Rivers Family of Services to be celebrated at a party held in his honor on Monday, June 27, 2016, at River Stone Manor, Glenville, New York; and WHEREAS, John E. Henley earned his bachelor's degree at Le Moyne College, Syracuse, New York; he furthered his education by obtaining his Master's degree in Special Education from Syracuse University; and WHEREAS, As a student, John E. Henley was part of a wave of revolutionary ideas and actions in family services inspired in part by the Education for All Handicapped Children Act which was enacted by the United States Congress in 1975, to support states and localities in protecting the rights of, meeting the individual needs of, and improving the results for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities and their families; and WHEREAS, At that time, the philosophy of what was then called normalization was groundbreaking; a true visionary, John E. Henley strived to understand the challenges of these children, break stereotypes and develop real, productive integration into the community; and WHEREAS, John E. Henley joined Northeast Parent & Child Society as CEO in 2010; dedicated to children and their families, he was named CEO of Parsons Child & Family Center upon the creation of Northern Rivers Family of Services in 2012, a position from which he will officially retire in June of 2016; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, John E. Henley continued to do what he has done through his career, redefine the nature of public-private relationships by developing new programming, utilizing the talent and depth of community partners and overcoming every challenge to explore the full potential of Northern Rivers and its member agencies to respond to the real needs of its communities; and WHEREAS, In addition, John E. Henley held the title of Executive Vice President, providing administrative and clinical direction for Northern Rivers and its member agencies, Northeast Parent & Child Society and Parsons Child & Family Center; and WHEREAS, On July 1, 2014, John E. Henley assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Northern Rivers Family of Services, reflecting the culmination of both a process that began with the formation of the company in 2012, and of a career dedicated to changing the way family services agencies meet the needs of the public; and WHEREAS, Previously, John E. Henley served for 13 years as Executive Director of Elmcrest Children's Center in his home community of Syracuse, and for over a decade as Executive Director of the Cayuga Home for Children in Auburn, New York; and WHEREAS, At each of these agencies, as well as at his previous positions in public education and as Director of Education for Hillside Children's Center in Rochester, New York, John E. Henley emphasized the vitality of partnerships with state and county officials as well as the communities they served; and WHEREAS, In his official acts, John E. Henley was governed by a keen sense of duty and always showed a unique grasp of human problems; his professionalism and kindness earned him the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, This remarkable man has been called upon to contribute his time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has always given of himself unstintingly; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which John E. Henley 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 John E. Henley upon the occasion of his retirement after six years of distinguished service to Northern Rivers Family of Services, and to wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John E. Henley.