K 795: Congratulating Kevin Crosley upon the occasion of his retirement after more than four decades of dedicated service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

 Assembly Resolution No. 795 BY: M. of A. Miller CONGRATULATING Kevin Crosley upon the occasion of his retirement after more than four decades of dedicated service to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and for his exemplary leadership as President and CEO of Arc Herkimer since 2005 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and honor those individuals whose commitment and dedication to serving others has had a profound and lasting impact on their communities and the State of New York; and WHEREAS, Kevin Crosley will retire on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after more than 40 years as a distinguished leader in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), including 20 years as President and CEO of Arc Herkimer; and WHEREAS, Under Kevin Crosley's dynamic leadership, Arc Herkimer has flourished, providing critical services, innovative programming, and meaningful employment opportunities to more than 500 individuals with disabilities; and WHEREAS, Kevin Crosley has demonstrated visionary thinking and prudent risk-taking, establishing social enterprises that have not only expanded Arc Herkimer's reach but also set a national example for inclusion and opportunity; and WHEREAS, Among his groundbreaking accomplishments are: the launch of the first-ever joint venture between a Goodwill Industries and an Arc chapter to operate a donated goods store; the acquisition and revitalization of a manufacturing facility for local businesses; the creation of a fully accessible recreation park for people of all abilities; the transformation of a sheltered workshop into integrated work settings and a warehouse training program; and the acquisition and development of an 18-hole golf course, restaurant and event venue that provides inclusive employment and recreation; and WHEREAS, Kevin Crosley has secured funding for a visionary expansion of this venue-a permanent, two-story event center that will include banquet space, golf simulators, a Bocce court, and more-creating new avenues for community integration and economic sustainability; and WHEREAS, Throughout his distinguished career, Kevin Crosley has lent his expertise to numerous boards and organizations, including serving as Chair of the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) and as a member of the New York State Regional Economic Development Council; and WHEREAS, A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Kevin Crosley has delivered lectures across the country, including a preconference keynote at the Arc US national convention and a national webinar on creating integrated employment opportunities; and WHEREAS, Kevin Crosley's outstanding contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from SUNY Herkimer College, the American Red Cross Humanitarian Award, the NYSID Champion Award, the Arc US Program Innovation Award, and the Leadership Award from the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation; and WHEREAS, Kevin Crosley leaves a legacy of compassion, innovation, and tireless advocacy for individuals with disabilities, and Arc Herkimer stands as a model of excellence due to his extraordinary leadership; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to congratulate Kevin Crosley upon the occasion of his retirement, to applaud his more than 40 years of exemplary service and advocacy in the I/DD community, and to extend its sincere best wishes for continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Kevin Crosley.