J 786: Honoring the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected leader, and devoted member of her community

 Senate Resolution No. 786 BY: Senator STEC HONORING the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected leader, and devoted member of her community WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body 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 honor the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected leader, and devoted member of her community; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish, an artist, dog lover, skier, and free spirit who cared deeply about her family, community, and the forests and waters of the beloved Adirondacks, died on January 12, 2025; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish served businesses and communities in northern New York for more than 11 years, notably serving as executive director of the Adirondack North Country Association; and WHEREAS, Her tenure as executive director marked a period of unprecedented growth and development for the Adirondack North Country Association and the nonprofit organization's influence on economic development efforts in northern New York State; and WHEREAS, Her leadership was a driving force behind the expansion of the services that the Adirondack North Country Association provides to small farms, small businesses, and rural communities in northern New York; and WHEREAS, Through her talent, vision, and leadership, Kate Fish recruited and attracted an outstanding team of staff, board members, and regional partners to develop programs that serve the economic needs and interests in the northern part of New York State; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish recognized that renewable energy is a critical path to more resilient local economies contributed to the development of the Adirondack North Country Association's clean energy program and expansion of renewable and energy efficiency initiatives that benefit North Country communities; and WHEREAS, During her tenure as executive director, Kate Fish fostered collaborative relationships with other regional and state organizations that leveraged each of their constituencies, networks, resources, and skill sets to advance shared interests and goals; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish worked in partnership with organizations including the Adirondack Council to secure funding and community support for the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, which has grown in capacity, influence, and impact in the Adirondack region and New York State to provide programs designed to foster welcoming and belonging in local businesses and communities; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish served with honor and distinction on the executive committee of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, on the Community Advisory Group of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and on the NYSERDA Board of Directors; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish brought knowledge and insight gained from her work with major international corporations to the development of the Adirondack North Country Association and its programs; and WHEREAS, Kate Fish held a life-long love of the Adirondack Park where she spent summers as a child and a desire to preserve the unique relationships between the human world and the natural world for the benefit of Adirondack communities for generations to come; and WHEREAS, While Kate Fish had a successful and admirable career, she did not live for work; rather, Kate Fish lived for love and presence, and all whom she loved will miss her kind spirit, warm demeanor, and ever flowing friendship; and WHEREAS, At the front of the long line of people Kate Fish loved are her two strong and beloved daughters, Alexandra (Adam) Perreault and Clara Borders, and their beautiful children, Mabel, Bo, Amani, Dylan, Karina, and Charlotte; Kate Fish also cherished her relationship and countless memories with her three siblings, Farland, Howard, and Peter; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Kate Fish leaves behind a legacy rich in love and fulfillment which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all she served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the life and legacy of Kate Fish, distinguished citizen, respected leader, and devoted member of her community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Kate Fish.