Honor Dr. Bennett Award

Senate Resolution No. 2683 BY: Senator BRESLIN HONORING John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the John W. Abbuhl Friend of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow Arboretum on January 23, 2020 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those individuals within the great State of New York that are dedicated to the vital work of environmental protection; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the John W. Abbuhl Friend of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow Arboretum to be celebrated at its second Annual Winter Gathering on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at Pat's Barn in Rensselaer, New York; and WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett is receiving this prestigious award for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to The Pine Hollow Arboretum; and WHEREAS, Through the outstanding efforts of individuals such as Dr. John D. Bennett, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to shape the next generation of environmental stewards, educators and leaders; and WHEREAS, Established in 2007, The Pine Hollow Arboretum strives to preserve, manage and enhance native and introduced species of trees, shrubs and other plants in a natural environment; its horticultural collection consists of over 3,600 unique trees, shrubs and other woody plants from around the world, some of which are rare and/or endangered; and WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett earned his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, and a bachelor's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; he completed his residency in internal medicine as well as a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at Albany Medical Center; currently, he is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and the American College of Physicians; and WHEREAS, He is Board certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Internal Medicine, with subspecialties in internal medicine and cardiology; and WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett was named President and CEO of CDPHP in

2008, after serving as Chairman of the Board since 2003, Vice Chairman since 1999, and Board member since 1996; and WHEREAS, Prior to working at CDPHP, Dr. John D. Bennett held the position of Chief of the division of cardiology at Albany Memorial Hospital, was a member of Northeast Health Systems' Board of Directors, and chaired the Department of Medicine; and WHEREAS, Dr. John D. Bennett also served as CEO of Prime Care Physicians, PPLC, where he practiced cardiology with Albany Associates in Cardiology; and WHEREAS, Devoted to both his community and profession, Dr. John D. Bennett serves as Chair of the Boards of Directors for the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Healthcare Information Xchange of New York (Hixny); he is also a vital member of the boards of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, America's Health Insurance Plans, Colonie Senior Service Centers, the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York, the Center for Economic Growth, New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), and the Palace Theatre; and WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon all citizens to recognize and applaud the efforts of individuals such as John D. Bennett, MD who work tirelessly on behalf of protecting our natural surroundings for the benefit of present and future generations of New Yorkers; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor John D. Bennett, MD upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the John W. Abbuhl Friend of the Arboretum Award by The Pine Hollow Arboretum on January 23, 2020; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to John D. Bennett, MD.