HR0446 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0446 LRB097 12210 KXB 56596 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate James Durkan on his retirement as President/CEO of the Community Memorial Foundation in Hinsdale; and

WHEREAS, Jim Durkan is retiring as President/CEO of Community Memorial Foundation (CMF) effective December 31, 2011; he is a native of Swinford County Mayo, Ireland; County Mayo has a long honored tradition in Irish history; St. Patrick himself is claimed to have spent 40 days and 40 nights on Croagh Patrick praying for the people of Ireland; County Mayo also produced national treasures such as Michael Davitt and James Daley, who instituted social change during England's occupancy; James Durkan is another in the long list of Mayo men who bring honor and distinction for their sense of good will and justice; and

WHEREAS, Jim Durkan has been with Community Memorial Foundation since its beginning in August 1995, after serving as the President of La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation for 5 years and working in leadership roles at hospitals on the east coast; under his 16 years of leadership, the Foundation has awarded more than $50 million in grants to organizations serving people in the western suburbs; and

WHEREAS, During his tenure, he guided the launch of the Foundation's Responsive Grants Program, Building Organizational Effectiveness Initiative, and Healthcare Access Program, as well as past grant programs such as the Youth Initiative, Early Childhood Initiative, and Aging Well Program; and

WHEREAS, He has worked tirelessly to further the Foundation's mission and develop a spirit of grant-making that is built on making a difference in the community; His unwavering dedication and thoughtful leadership has enabled Community Memorial Foundation to deepen its impact in improving the health and well being of those who live and work in the western suburbs; and

WHEREAS, Over the years he has also served the community as Board Chair of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and of the Hinsdale Center for the Arts, and served as a board member of the Donors Forum; currently he serves on many boards and advisory committees including the Siragusa Family Foundation, TASC, the DuPage Health Coalition, the Illinois Attorney General's Charitable Advisory Council, and the Illinois Transitional Care Advisory Board; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate James Durkan on his retirement and thank him for his years of service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to James Durkan as a symbol of our respect and esteem.