Honor Jerry Kraus Retirement

Senate Resolution No. 239 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Jerry Kraus upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the Stanley Center of the Arts 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; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Jerry Kraus upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the Stanley Center of the Arts; and WHEREAS, After tirelessly serving the Stanley Center of the Arts for more than a decade, six of them as Executive Director, Jerry Kraus will officially retire on Friday, March 1, 2019; and WHEREAS, Jerry Kraus has served as Executive Director of the Stanley Center of the Arts since June 1, 2013, during which time he has overseen several major theater projects; and WHEREAS, In this capacity, Jerry Kraus has also been involved in corporate development, membership campaigns, and marketing initiatives; and WHEREAS, Jerry Kraus was instrumental in bringing in top performers such as Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Chris Botti, Martina McBride, REO Speedwagon, America, and many more to the Stanley Center of the Arts; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Jerry Kraus, the Stanley Center of the Arts has become a venue for a variety of unique events, including Broadway rehearsals and performances, weekend cheerleading, dance and body-building competitions, Riggiefests, Antiquefests, local band showcases, community events, and touring comedy shows among others; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, thanks to the steadfast and unwavering commitment of Jerry Kraus, the Stanley has returned to profitability and is extremely well positioned to continue its ever-increasing number of theater events; and WHEREAS, For more than 10 years, Jerry Kraus rendered faithful, conscientious and valuable service to the Stanley Center of the Arts, earning the admiration, esteem and affection of his colleagues; and WHEREAS, The success of the Stanley Center of the Arts is in direct correlation to the efforts of Jerry Kraus, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Jerry Kraus over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Jerry Kraus upon the occasion of his retirement after more than 10 years of dedicated service to the Stanley Center of the Arts; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Jerry Kraus.