Honor Brenda Williams McDuffie

Senate Resolution No. 2958 BY: Senator KENNEDY CONGRATULATING Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the occasion of her retirement after 22 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their community and the needs of its residents; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the occasion of her retirement after 22 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc.; and WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie has served as President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc. since October of 1998; in this most esteemed capacity, her energy, talent and dedication has made real, positive changes in the lives of countless people in the Western New York community; and WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of Brenda Williams McDuffie, the Buffalo Urban League has grown to serve more than 20,000 individuals annually, addressing their economic and social needs; she and her team have achieved recognition for their exemplary work strengthening families, improving education outcomes and increasing economic opportunities for individuals and businesses; and WHEREAS, Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Brenda Williams McDuffie received her undergraduate degree from Buffalo State College before earning a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Development from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Management; and WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie began her illustrious career as a paralegal aide for Neighborhood Legal Services; she worked for the City of Buffalo Human Resources Department as Senior Manpower Coordinator and later served as Director of Planning at the Private Industry Council (PIC) where she went on to become Executive Director in 1994; and WHEREAS, During this time, Brenda Williams McDuffie also served as President of the New York State Association of Employment and Training Professionals (NYATEP), where she co-chaired and was a member of the steering committee which produced the recommendations for New York State's future Workforce Development System; and WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to her community, Brenda Williams McDuffie is immediate past President of Leadership Buffalo and Secretary for Independent Health Association, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for Western New York Foundation, Buffalo State College, the Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, and the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau; and WHEREAS, An active member of Elim Christian Fellowship, Brenda Williams McDuffie is also on the Trustee Council for Kaleida Health Systems; and WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie is the proud recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including The Buffalo News Citizen of the Year Award, NAACP Community Service Award, Business First's Forty Under 40 Award, and the United Way's Volunteer of the Year Award; and WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Gerald, and their three children, Geralinda, Myllissa and Gerald, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her many achievements; and WHEREAS, Brenda Williams McDuffie has truly dedicated her life to serving others; her sincere acknowledgement of the value and gifts of each individual has given her a unique ability to effectively work with people from all walks of life; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that demonstrated by Brenda Williams McDuffie over a lifetime of sacrifice and dedication to others; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Brenda Williams McDuffie upon the occasion of her retirement after 22 years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League, Inc.; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Brenda Williams McDuffie.