NEW ROCHELLE, NY — We are pleased to announce the selection of Kelly Johnson as the Grand Marshall of the 52nd New Rochelle Valenti Family Thanksgiving Parade. During his tenure as the Executive Director of the Youth Bureau, Mr. Johnson has distinguished himself through his work on behalf of the City’s young people, particularly those who need a helping hand to offset economic or other disadvantages.
Kelly and his team either sponsor on the city’s behalf or are involved with too many programs to list. Among them are the Summer Youth Employment Program, Youth Court and My Brother’s Keeper. On the drawing board is a Spring Career /Job Fair to further assist the young people of New Rochelle with finding meaningful work. The Bureau also provides crisis intervention, drug and substance abuse referrals, along with individual and family counseling.
Some of the partnerships Kelly has fostered include the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Rochelle, Inter-Religious Council of New Rochelle, New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, New Rochelle City School District, New Rochelle Council of Community Services, New Rochelle Overall Economic Development Corporation, New Rochelle Parents Teachers Association, New Rochelle Police Department, New Rochelle Public Library, and the Montefiore Medical center.
More than anything, Kelly Johnson is a role model to the very people for whom he has dedicated his professional life. He is a dynamic leader who motivates colleagues, staff and clients to want to do more for his projects. His manner and personal integrity draw extra effort from those he interacts with. Moreover, his work, focusing on tomorrow’s leaders and residents of the Queen City, is helping assure the best and brightest future for New Rochelle.
Kelly Johnson was born in Newburgh, New York, and moved with his family to New Rochelle in 1963. He is a product of the New Rochelle Public School System and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Iona College. In December 1992, Mr. Johnson was appointed Executive Director of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau.
On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and the Valenti family, we are proud that the annual parade will allow the entire city to acknowledge the work of this man and thank him for his service. Please join The Chamber of Commerce, The City of New Rochelle, the Valenti Family and Kelly Johnson on the parade route anywhere on North Avenue from New Rochelle High School to Main Street or South on Main Street to Elm from 10 AM – 12 PM on the Saturday before Thanksgiving on November 21st.