J 1358: Congratulating Executive Director Patrick J. Becher upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to the Mohawk Valley Water Authority

 Senate Resolution No. 1358 BY: Senator GRIFFO CONGRATULATING Executive Director Patrick J. Becher upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to the Mohawk Valley Water Authority WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to enhance the stature of the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Executive Director Patrick J. Becher upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to the Mohawk Valley Water Authority; and WHEREAS, When the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA) was established in 1996, Patrick J. Becher was the Director of Budget and Management for the City of Syracuse for more than a decade and seeking the next chapter in his career; in September 1997, he was afforded the opportunity to join MVWA; and WHEREAS, That chapter turned into a 28-year journey with MVWA, leading a team that would develop, operate, maintain, and improve the Mohawk Valley water distribution system, supporting economic development and providing residents with cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality drinking water for life; and WHEREAS, Nearly three decades later, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Patrick J. Becher is retiring as MVWA's first and only Executive Director after building a strong legacy of progressive water supply stewardship and thoughtful water supply user advocacy; and WHEREAS, During his tenure, Patrick J. Becher brought talented professionals to operate the Authority, including a Chief Financial Officer (CFO), human resources, administration, and customer service personnel; and WHEREAS, Some of Patrick J. Becher's accomplishments were the utilization of technology to improve MVWA's operations, the implementation of a new geographic information system (GIS), workflow management systems, and hastening the process of replacing outdated infrastructure; additionally, he worked to implement additional fiscal management practices and sustainability planning; and WHEREAS, More than $85 million of capital improvements were conducted, including the construction of six new tanks, the switch to carbon filtration, and numerous rehabilitation and replacement projects on water mains, pumping stations, and broken valves, under the leadership of Patrick J. Becher; and WHEREAS, Throughout his 28-year tenure and exemplary service, Patrick J. Becher has served in several capacities, including his position as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mohawk Valley Economic Development Growth Enterprises Corporation (EDGE) for 22 years, serving as Treasurer for the last five years; and WHEREAS, Patrick J. Becher served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce for fourteen years, including two years as Chairman and six years chairing the Government Affairs Council; he was also an early member of the Genesis Group and served on their board for 16 years with three of those years as Chair; he has been a tremendous asset to the Authority and the entire area through his tireless commitment to serving his community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Executive Director Patrick J. Becher upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years of distinguished service to the Mohawk Valley Water Authority; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Executive Director Patrick J. Becher.