Senate Resolution No. 1524
BY: Senator BROUK
CONGRATULATING Deborah Hughes upon the occasion of
her retirement after many years of distinguished
service as President and CEO of the National Susan
B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished individuals whose professional lives have been
marked by exceptional service, leadership, and dedication to the
cultural, civic, and democratic life 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 Deborah Hughes upon the occasion of her retirement after
many years of distinguished service as President and CEO of the National
Susan B. Anthony Museum & House in Rochester, New York, to be celebrated
on Wednesday, February 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Hughes retired at the conclusion of December 2025,
after 18 years of extraordinary service as President and Chief Executive
Officer of the National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, a position she
has held since 2007, with transition support continuing into early 2026;
and
WHEREAS, Prior to her tenure at the National Susan B. Anthony Museum
& House, Deborah Hughes devoted 25 years to service as an ordained
minister in Presbyterian and American Baptist churches in New York and
Michigan, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to justice, community, and
public service; and
WHEREAS, Her distinguished professional background also includes
service as Vice President for Development at Colgate Rochester Crozer
Divinity School and as a member of the executive staff of the Ministers
and Missionaries Benefit Board in New York City, through which she
developed deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, governance, and
fundraising; and
WHEREAS, Initially envisioned as a short-term leadership role,
Deborah Hughes's appointment evolved into an 18-year tenure marked by
stability, growth, and visionary stewardship of one of New York State's
most significant historic and cultural institutions; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum
& House achieved long-term organizational strength, including the
stabilization of a balanced operating budget, the cultivation of a
strong and engaged Board of Trustees, the growth of the museum's
endowment, and the successful navigation of unprecedented challenges
such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Hughes steadfastly maintained the museum's
commitment to authoritative historical interpretation, community
engagement, and relevance, presenting Susan B. Anthony's life and legacy
with integrity, compassion, and nuance, while emphasizing Anthony's
broader reform work in abolitionism, pay equity, education, labor
rights, domestic violence prevention, and substance abuse reform; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, she has been the primary force behind the
museum's ambitious campus expansion initiative, which envisions a new
14,000-square-foot interpretive center on Jefferson Avenue,
museum-quality collection storage with proper environmental controls and
fire suppression, expanded exhibit space for immersive and rotating
exhibitions, research facilities for partnerships with regional museum
studies programs, event and reception space, and the capacity to welcome
significantly larger visitor groups; and
WHEREAS, Through her leadership of the "Susan B. Inspires Me!"
campaign, the museum has raised significant funds toward the expansion
project, secured a substantial New York State grant, and positioned the
institution to begin construction in 2026; and
WHEREAS, Deborah Hughes has consistently articulated a belief in
democracy, inclusive government, and the enduring relevance of Susan B.
Anthony's work to contemporary social and civic challenges, while
emphasizing the importance of presenting historical figures as full and
complex human beings rather than untouchable icons; and
WHEREAS, She has expressed her intention to remain in the Rochester
community following her retirement, reflecting her deep personal and
professional commitment to the region and her appreciation for the vital
role of community-based organizations in advancing the public good; and
WHEREAS, The Board of Trustees of the National Susan B. Anthony
Museum & House has credited Deborah Hughes as the guiding force and
visionary behind the institution's growth and development, and has
undertaken a thoughtful succession process to ensure continuity and
future success, made possible by the strong foundation she established;
and
WHEREAS, Deborah Hughes retires at a moment when the National Susan
B. Anthony Museum & House is stable, respected, and well-positioned for
its next phase of growth, a testament to her exemplary leadership and
enduring legacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Deborah Hughes upon the occasion of her retirement, and to
commend her for 18 years of outstanding service to the National Susan B.
Anthony Museum & House, the Rochester community, and the State of New
York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Deborah Hughes.
