Assembly Resolution No. 180
BY: M. of A. Jean-Pierre
CONGRATULATING Dr. Wayne R. Horsley upon the
occasion of his retirement after 44 years of
distinguished service to Long Island
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor those distinguished citizens of this great Empire State who have
devoted themselves to faithfully serving the best interests of their
community and the needs of its residents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Dr. Wayne R. Horsley upon the occasion of his retirement
after 44 years of distinguished service to Long Island to be celebrated
on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at The Snapper Inn, Oakdale, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Wayne R. Horsley graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Political
Science/Education/Sociology in 1972; he went on to earn a Master of
Public Administration from Bernard Baruch College in 1979, as well as a
Master of Arts degree in Modern World History in 2002, and a Doctorate
of Arts degree in Modern World History in 2006, from St. John's
University, Jamaica Campus; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley began his illustrious career as
Supervisor of the Jones Beach State Parkway Authority-Belmont Lake State
Park, serving from 1976 to 1978, when he became Finance Director of Long
Island States Parks; and
WHEREAS, In 1995, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley became the Deputy Director of
the Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency where he served until
1999; he then became Councilman of the Town of Babylon, as well as an
Adjunct Professor of History at both St. John's University and
Farmingdale State College; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to his community, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley served
as Deputy Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature from 2006
until 2013; during this time he was elected to an 18-person board
responsible for the governance of the County, and served as Committee
Chair of Economic Development, Energy & Education; and
WHEREAS, In addition, he was Vice-Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Committee, Chair of the Suffolk County Wastewater Task Force, and a
member of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, and the Budget
and Finance Committee; and
WHEREAS, In September of 2013, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley served as
Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature until December of
the same year when he became Regional Director of Long Island State
Parks, the esteemed position from which he will retire on March 1, 2019;
and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley administers and
coordinates operations, planning, maintenance, public relations,
development and security of the State Park Region covering both Nassau
and Suffolk Counties; and
WHEREAS, As a member of the executive team, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley
provides advice and recommendations to the Commissioner and other
executive staff members on the formulation, implementation and
evaluation of agency policies, programs, procedures and priorities, as
well as agency restructuring; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley also represents the agency in dealings
with constituency groups, government officials, professional societies,
public interest groups, friends groups, and other organizations and
individuals to develop and expedite the resolution of issues of mutual
concern and to advocate, generate and promote support for agency
faculties, programs and services; and
WHEREAS, Active in his community, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley serves as
Program Coordinator of the Babylon Chapter of Rotary International and
Board Member of Wyandanch Homes & Property Development Corporation; he
is also past President of the Babylon Village Beautification Society and
a Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society Trustee; and
WHEREAS, As a former Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, Dr.
Wayne R. Horsley is the Founder of the Good Deed Award, which is now
highly regarded as a prime Boy Scout fundraising tool; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Wayne R. Horsley is the proud recipient of numerous
awards and accolades including, the 2017 Nathaniel Conklin Award for
volunteer service to Babylon Village, and the 2014 Man of the Year Award
from the West Babylon Athletic Association and Babylon Village Arts
Council; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Barbara, and their
four children, Scott (Tarita), Bennett (Maria), Jacqueline (Jeffrey) and
Jordan (Mao), as well as seven grandchildren, Darwin, Nova Jean,
Aurelia, Sonora, Lincoln James, Luna and Sola, who have all shown him
love and support and rejoice in his many achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the occurrence of such a compassionate
blending of strength, leadership, intellect, and commitment as that
demonstrated by Dr. Wayne R. Horsley over a lifetime of sacrifice and
dedication to others; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Dr. Wayne R. Horsley upon the occasion of his retirement
after 44 years of distinguished service to Long Island; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Dr. Wayne R. Horsley.