Senate Resolution No. 604 BY: Senator PARKER HONORING Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York on April 15, 2023 WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. who uphold the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomize the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York to be celebrated at its Testimonial Luncheon on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the VIP Country Club, New Rochelle, New York; and WHEREAS, The Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge (MWPHGL) Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York is a non-profit organization which embodies a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols; and WHEREAS, After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Banking and Finance from Morehouse College, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. went on to receive a Masters of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Management from Long Island University; and WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. currently serves as Regional Vice President of Compass Group North America where he manages a $12 million dollar budget; throughout his 30 years of experience, he has learned to successfully lead a team of professional staff, served as an internal resource and consultant, and has worked collaboratively with a wide array of clients and vendors; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he has the necessary skill set to adapt to various environments, build successful relationships with partners at all levels of an organization and execute a different perspective toward handling issues, completing tasks and managing direct reports; and WHEREAS, Prior to serving in this capacity, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. had an extensive career with numerous Fortune 500 Companies, including Verizon Wireless, Citigroup, and Waste Management Inc.; and WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. has been a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., PSI Chapter, since 1991; and WHEREAS, As a fifth generation Prince Hall Mason, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr.'s devotion to masonry began more than 45 years ago; he served as mascot for the Medina Temple No. 19 of the A.E.A.O.N.M.S. Inc., and was a member of the Warriors Drum and Bugle Corporation; and WHEREAS, After officially being raised to a Master Mason in the oldest lodge in the State of New York, Boyer Lodge No. 1, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr.'s hunger for knowledge continued; he was elected as Worshipful Master and served with distinction and honor; and WHEREAS, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. continued to grow in the organization and served as first Vice President of the first Masonic District Association for a number of years; he was elected Illustrious Potentate of the fifth largest Temple in the Imperial Domain, Medina Temple No. 19 before his selection by MWPGM Dr. Solomon Wallace to serve as Assistant of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence where he learned the workings of the MWPHGL; and WHEREAS, After working as Assistant of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence, Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Correspondence where he received his 33rd and last degree; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, this extraordinary man has served as Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master of the MWPHGL of New York; and WHEREAS, Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. currently serves as the 59th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New York where he continues to work for the brothers and sisters of this auspicious organization with humility and dignity; and WHEREAS, The success of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York is in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated Grand Master, Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr., whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Andrea, and their two daughters, all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many achievements; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr. upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the State of New York on April 15, 2023; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Most Worshipful Gregory Robeson Smith, Jr.