This past Sunday the Committee for Effective Leadership held their annual luncheon in which they honored Bronxites and other New Yorker’s for their exemplary leadership and community work.
“It is such an honor for me to be here today to help recognize those that do so much for our community, work that, many times, goes unrecognized and unrewarded.” said Letitia James, NYC Public Advocate and keynote speaker for the luncheon. Other well known guests included NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Senator Charles Schumer and Gustavo Rivera, Assemblyman Micheal Benedetto, Marcos Crespo, Mark Gjonaj, and Victor Pichardo, Council Member Andy King, and Vice Chair of the Bronx County Republican Party Mike Rendino.
For the last thirty years, the Committee for Effective Leadership has honored those leaders who have had a positive impact on the communities they serve and to promote the efforts of the Democratic Party. Those honored are usually picked based on their work and commitment towards causes that deal with: the disabled, veterans, LGBT, animal rights, labor and the environment.
In a break from previous years, the luncheon recognized Up and Coming Youth Leaders from the Bronx and other parts of NYC. “Today’s event is dedicated to passing the torch to another new generation of leaders. We, as the older generation, have a responsibility to be there to assist and guide them when asked but to also lead by example.” said Lewis Goldstein, Founder of the Committee for Effective Leadership. Also handing out awards was Chairman for the Committee for Effective Leadership John Doyle.
The event is a good opportunity for newcomers and older community leaders to mingle while enjoying food and drink at beautiful Villa Barone Ristorante.
The Honorees:
At 18, Patrick Devine joined the Marines during the Vietnam War. He served with Bravo Company 1st Battalion 9th Marines (also known as The Walking Dead), an infantry unit that saw more casualties than any other in USMC history. From the gruesome events he lived through, Patrick came back to the Bronx as a veteran with PTSD. After receiving treatment, he dedicated himself to helping other veterans with PTSD through reiki and stress relief therapy. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Bicentennial Veterans Memorial Park and Commander of the American Legion Theodore Koroney Post #253. He has been a member of Community Board #10 for close to 40 years. Additionally, he represents the Bronx on the New York City Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs Advisory Board. Fellow veteran and American Legion member, Tony Salimbene presented Patrick with his reward by saying, “Not only has Patrick served his country but he continues to do so everyday.”
Joan Millman has been a teacher, a librarian, a district leader, and a Member of the New York State Assembly. Upon entering the Assembly in 1997 Millman focused on women’s issues, libraries, education, older adults and parks. When she was district leader of the 52nd Assembly District, she organized to campaign for a bus route for older adults and those with disabilities so that they could travel over the Manhattan Bridge. She is also known for passing legislation called Billy’s Law, named for a severely disabled child who was abused and neglected at the treatment facility where he lived in New Jersey. She fought to save Long Island College Hospital and Eileen C. Dugan Senior Center from closing. She was also chair of the Assembly Committee on Aging from 2011 to 2014. Before presenting Joan with her award, Michael Czaczkes said, “Working with Joan showed me that community work does not end in the office but continues outside of it.”
Joseph McManus is a lifelong resident of New York City and has lived in the Bronx since 1976, but he still has a close connection to his Irish roots (his family originally came from County Donegal). Joseph is a proud member of Enterprise Association Steamfitters Local 638 for 45 years and has served as a Trustee from 1996-1999. In 2004 Joseph worked with Councilwoman Palma and District Manager, Francisco Gonzales, to rename Triangle Park after Chief Dennis L. Devlin, an FDNY officer who was killed in the World Trade Center. Joseph has served the neighborhood as a member of Community Planning Board #11 and as Chair of the Land Use Committee. In September 2004, McManus was elected to the Democratic State Committee representing the 80th Assembly District. Presenting Joseph with his reward, Sylvia Lask described him as, “One of the hardest and caring workers I have ever seen in my years.”
Eunic Ortiz is the Director of Online Communications for 1199 SEIU and manages a wide portfolio of digital communications for the largest union in the country. After graduating from NYU with her Master’s, she working as a News Producer in Florida and New York City. Before working for 1199 SEIU, Eunic was a spokesperson and the Digital Manager for the New York City Council and Speaker Christine Quinn. Additionally, Eunic is the President of for Stonewall Democrats of NYC. In this role she works as a liaison between elected officials and community groups to pass legislation dealing with the LGBT community. Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “At the age of 27, Eunic has done so much to help her community and that’s why I love her.” as he presented her award.
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