[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ACKNOWLEDGING LEADERSHIP NIAGARA'S 2019 LEADERS OF THE YEAR AWARD 
                               RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2019

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize 
the impressive record of achievement of Leadership Niagara, the longest 
running leadership development organization in New York State. 
Headquartered in Niagara Falls, a city I proudly represent and home to 
one of the Wonders of the World, this binational program provides 
individuals of all ages the skills necessary to forge a better and more 
productive future for themselves, their companies and the communities 
of Western New York and Southern Ontario.
  For more than 35 years, Leadership Niagara has served as a premier 
leadership resource to those who demonstrate the passion, desire and 
willingness to work to effect positive change in all aspects of their 
lives, including the companies and communities they represent.
  Leadership Niagara's mission to strengthen regional leadership is 
reflected in their time-honored tradition of the Annual Leader of the 
Year Awards Ceremony. Now in its 29th year, this program delivers a 
powerful message that builds on the example, motivation and success of 
those being recognized for their transformational leadership in a 
variety of fields.
  This year, Leadership Niagara has selected five individuals and one 
organization that exemplify collaboration, innovation and leadership. 
They include Kenneth Sass, Lifetime Achievement Award, Father James J. 
Maher, Leader of the Year; The Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club, 
Organization of the Year; Bonnie Kane Ph.D., Distinguished Alumni; 
Alicia Laible-Kenyon, Emerging Leader and Ethan Menges, Youth Leader. 
These honorees are most deserving for the strides they have made in the 
promotion of positive change and strong leadership regardless of title, 
age, education, industry or boundaries.
  Kenneth Sass served a community in need with determination and 
kindness as the longtime president of Pinnacle Community Services, 
formerly Family and Children's Services of Niagara. Before retiring in 
December of 2018, Mr. Sass worked for Pinnacle Community Services for 
25 years, the past 21 as president and CEO. It was during his tenure 
that he spearheaded two capital campaigns, totaling $3.3 million, to 
build the agency's first new headquarters in 100 years and the Niagara 
Family Center, a multi-service collaboration between seven nonprofit 
agencies. Programs were also expanded and developed to better address 
serious issues including mental health, domestic violence, child abuse 
and chronic medical illnesses. His dedication to those he served 
epitomize what it means to be a compassionate leader.
  Father James J. Maher's selection as Leadership Niagara's Leader of 
the Year is an inspired choice. A member of the Vincentian community, 
he was appointed the 26th president of Niagara University in 2013. 
Since becoming president, Father Maher has focused on advancing the 
academic reputation of the university, building an international and 
diverse campus community and shaping the university's commitment to the 
revitalization of Niagara Falls and Western New York. His deep 
commitment to the Vincentian mission of service is reflected in his 
actions and words that included his belief that ``Niagara University 
should function as a bridge to people in everyday distress, isolation 
and poverty.'' Father Maher is that bridge.
  The Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club is Leadership Niagara's 
organization of the year for their commitment to serving the community 
and creating healthy youth and families. For more than 80 years, they 
have focused on academic success, career and leadership development. 
With an annual membership of over 1400 young people, ranging from five 
to twenty-one years old, the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club lives 
its mission to provide appropriate and diversified programs and 
activities that teach skills needed to build positive lives, attitudes 
& behaviors. An invaluable community asset, their dedication to 
education, healthy living and leadership provides a model to follow for 
other Western New York organizations.
  Bonnie Kane, Ph.D., has been a Leadership Niagara member since 2017 
and is being recognized as this year's Distinguished Alumni. Since 
receiving her M.A. in School Psychology from the University of Buffalo 
and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University, this 
principled and purposeful dynamo has worked in the Niagara Falls City 
School District as a school psychologist and as co-department chair for 
special education. Her commitment to lifting the lives of others is 
evidenced by her ability to listen, learn and guide students on career 
paths while promoting the importance of education and mentorship. Dr. 
Kane is a treasured resource whose belief in the dignity and rights of 
all people makes our community a better place to live.
  This year's Emerging Leader is Alicia Laible-Kenyon, Executive 
Director of Elderwood Health Plan (Niagara Advantage). Responsible for 
the outcomes of this managed long-term care plan, Alicia has led this 
effort to provide access to affordable and quality health care for 
individuals with chronic health issues and older adults. Her efforts 
enable many others to remain healthy, independent and able to reside in 
their own homes. Unafraid of a challenge, her commitment to ensuring a 
healthier community makes her a worthy recipient.
  Leadership Niagara understands age is no barrier to leadership and 
has recognized this potential in Ethan Menges of Lockport High School 
as this year's Youth Leader. As a student athlete, he leads by example 
on and off the field. Through his years at Lockport High School, he has 
been an active participant in career, education and life skills 
development programs through internships and community events. He 
understands that he and his classmates must be prepared and ready to be 
a part of positive and constructive interaction in today's world and is 
a model example of what it means to be a leader.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate Leadership Niagara for its significant 
contributions to the Western New York Community as they gather together 
on May 17 to honor this year's most worthy recipients at the Leader of 
the Year Awards Ceremony.

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