Senate Resolution No. 1191
BY: Senator ORTT
CONGRATULATING Shawn MacKinnon upon the occasion
of his retirement after 30 years of distinguished
service to the New York State Senate
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
congratulate Shawn MacKinnon upon the occasion of his retirement after
30 years of distinguished service to the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, The best public servants are those who take their roles and
responsibilities seriously and look to enhance the quality of
government; and
WHEREAS, Shawn MacKinnon has devoted over 30 years of his life to
public service, bringing diligence, expertise, and mentorship to his
many roles in the New York State Senate; and
WHEREAS, Shawn MacKinnon began his career with Senator Suzi
Oppenheimer on September 8, 1994; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Shawn MacKinnon worked for
offices including Senate Finance, Budget Studies, and Senior Staff; and
WHEREAS, As Secretary to the Senate Finance Committee, Shawn
MacKinnon played a critical role in supporting the conference and
individual Senators on budget and policy matters, while also training
dozens of analysts and sharing his institutional knowledge generously;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure as an education and finance analyst,
Shawn MacKinnon became a trusted expert in the complex and high-stakes
issue of school aid funding, serving as a steady and knowledgeable voice
in shaping vital state education investments; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his Senate service, Shawn MacKinnon served
as a professor of Statistics at both the University at Albany and Siena
College, guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders with his
insight and passion for teaching; and
WHEREAS, Shawn MacKinnon is the proud father of Joe, Madi, and
Casey, and has taken great joy in their academic, professional, and
personal growth, supporting them with pride and dedication; and
WHEREAS, A lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, Shawn MacKinnon
played college basketball, and has actively participated in hockey as a
coach and official; and
WHEREAS, Shawn MacKinnon remains an avid snowboarder and enjoys
basketball, baseball, hockey, and especially golf-where his unique
ability to find every tree on and off the course is as much a badge of
honor as a running joke among friends; and
WHEREAS, One of Shawn MacKinnon proudest achievements was founding
the Clifton Park Dynamo Girls Ice Hockey Program, which he coached all
the way to the finals, leaving a legacy for girls sports in the
community; and
WHEREAS, Shawn MacKinnon's career has been defined by integrity,
excellence, and the mentorship of others, and his contributions have
left an indelible impact on the State Senate, his students, and all who
have worked with him; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize those who have reached such an important milestone in their
personal and professional lives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Shawn MacKinnon upon the occasion of his retirement after
many years of distinguished service to the State of New York, and to
wish him well in all his future endeavors; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Shawn MacKinnon.
