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Proclamation congratulating Director Marc Cherna upon the occasion of his retirement from Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, “I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” That quote by philosopher, Albert Schweitzer, personifies the talented employees that Allegheny County has been fortunate to have contributed invaluably to our communities; and
WHEREAS, Department of Human Services Director Marc Cherna will be retiring from Allegheny County after 25 years of dedicated and unwavering service in 2021; and
WHEREAS, Marc, a New York City native, began his career in human services as a youth worker over 40 years ago. He has extensive work experience in the field, including four years as the Director of Planning, Allocations and Agency Relations with the United Way of Union County, New Jersey and 13 years as an Assistant Director with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services; and
WHEREAS, Marc first came to Allegheny County as a result of a national search to take charge of the county's child protective service agency and immediately implemented system-wide changes that have resulted in better permanency outcomes for children; and
WHEREAS, in 1995, the county commissioners reorganized and changed the county government. One of those changes was to consolidate child protective services, aging, employment, and other safety-net services, mental health, intellectual disabilities, drug and alcohol treatment, and homelessness services into one department. In January 1997, Child Welfare Director Marc Cherna was asked to become the first director of the new department; and
WHEREAS, under Marc’s leadership, the Department of Human Services has received several awards for Innovations in American Government given by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, including the Justice Related Services State Support Program in 2005, the Adoption Legal Services Project in 2006, and the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund in 2012; and
WHEREAS, Marc has been an instrumental factor in making sure that the Department of Human Services focuses on providing an accessible, culturally competent system that ensures individually-tailored, focused, and holistic services to residents, particularly its vulnerable populations; and
WHEREAS, Allegheny County is grateful for the service and dedication of Director Marc Cherna and his determination to provide superior service to every individual in the county; and
WHEREAS, in his retirement, Marc is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, and their three children and seven grandchildren;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, All Members of Allegheny County Council, do hereby recognize and congratulate Director Marc Cherna upon the occasion of his retirement from Allegheny County, and we commend him for all that he has done for the county.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 15th day of December 2020.