K 680: Congratulating Paul Marzello upon the occasion of his retirement after eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park

 Assembly Resolution No. 680 BY: M. of A. Peoples-Stokes CONGRATULATING Paul Marzello upon the occasion of his retirement after eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park 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 Paul Marzello, upon the occasion of his retirement after eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, in 2025; and WHEREAS, The Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park, the nation's largest inland naval park and a treasured local institution dedicated to honoring military service and educating the public, has had the competent leadership of Paul Marzello, as President and CEO, since 2017; and WHEREAS, Under Paul Marzello's leadership, the Park has experienced tremendous growth and renewed visibility across Western New York and beyond; his tenure has been marked by meaningful progress in organizational development, expanded educational programming, capital improvements, and community engagement; and WHEREAS, Paul Marzello oversaw critical preservation efforts of the USS The Sullivans, including securing national media attention and galvanizing public support for the vessel's restoration, and strengthened relationships with veterans' organizations, civic leaders, and educational institutions to deepen the Park's mission and reach; and WHEREAS, Additionally, Paul Marzello established the first Master Plan in the Park's history, creating a strategic roadmap for future growth and development, expanded educational programming, including the development of new STEM initiatives and partnerships with local schools, and fostered the growth and improvement of the facility, funding, and visitor experience; and WHEREAS, Known for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to honoring the United States veterans and preserving our Nation's military history, Paul Marzello will leave a legacy which will have a lasting impact on the Park, the community, and the countless visitors who walk the decks annually; and WHEREAS, Paul Marzello feels honored to serve as President and CEO, advancing a mission he deeply embraced, and proud of leading his team to make transformational advancements and building strong bridges with other organizations; and WHEREAS, As the organization looks toward the future, it remains committed to its core mission of honoring veterans' service, educating visitors about naval and military history, inspiring patriotism and civic engagement, and preserving historic naval vessels and artifacts for future generations; and WHEREAS, The Park serves as a vital cultural resource for Western New York, welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually and providing immersive educational experiences for students, families, and history enthusiasts; and WHEREAS, Paul Marzello has earned the admiration, esteem, and affection of his colleagues; his distinctive accomplishments culminate a distinguished career with the Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Paul Marzello upon the occasion of his retirement after eight years of distinguished service as President and CEO of Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Paul Marzello.