HR0323 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0323 LRB099 11622 MST 33390 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Michael "Mike" O'Donnell on the occasion of his retirement from his position as Executive Director of the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA), a regional, non-profit organization, after more than 35 years; and

WHEREAS, Mike O'Donnell oversees community-based programs and services supporting more than 20,000 older adults in over 16 counties, working in coordination with the Illinois Department of Aging and a network of other agencies; he is responsible for the administration of the agency's $8.9 million dollar budget, including federal and State funds; he previously worked as Planner, Planning Manager, and Associate Director at ECIAAA; and

WHEREAS, With unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life of older Americans and their families in Central Illinois, Mike O'Donnell is known for his commitment to implementing evidence-based healthy-aging programs; and

WHEREAS, Mike O'Donnell advocates tirelessly with public officials for issues and policies that support an older adult's ability to live life with dignity and safety, making independent and informed choices for as long as possible; and

WHEREAS, Mike O'Donnell shares willingly his knowledge and expertise both professionally and personally, including serving as President of the Illinois Coalition on Mental Health and Aging; as past President of Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Illinois Coalition on Aging; as past Secretary of Illinois Aging Services; and as a member of the Steering Committee for the Illinois Community Health and Aging Collaborative; and

WHEREAS, Mike O'Donnell, as a man of faith, served his country in the United States Navy; he serves as President of the Board of Directors for the West Bloomington Revitalization Project, as Secretary of the Board of Trustees for Central Catholic High School in Bloomington, and is a former board member for St. Mary's School; he also serves St. Mary's Parish by coordinating its yearly "Annual Diocesan Appeal" campaign and his church as a Cantor and choir member; and

WHEREAS, Mike O'Donnell is married to Maria, and they plan to spend more time enjoying the company of their 4 adult daughters and their families, including a growing number of grandchildren, and traveling; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Michael "Mike" O'Donnell on his retirement from his position as Executive Director of the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging after more than 35 years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Mike O'Donnell a an expression of our esteem and respect.