Legislators Boykin and Parker Honored By Board

WHITE PLAINS – On Monday, December 8, the Board of Legislators honored two outgoing legislators with the Westchester County Distinguished Service Award, the highest level of recognition the Board can bestow. The medals are awarded to individuals who have significantly benefited the general welfare and common good of the County through dedicated public service.

The honorees were Legislator Ben Boykin and Legislator Catherine F. Parker, both of whom will leave office at the end of the month having reached term limits.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “Transitions on the Board are always bittersweet, but the departure of these two outstanding legislators seems especially poignant.

“Ben’s long service to the public is extraordinary. Serving as NYSAC’s 80th president and completing two terms as Chair of the Board during a period of tremendous change are accomplishments unlikely to be matched. He guided the legislature through the pandemic, ushering in technological advances that kept the Board’s work moving forward. He also led the first Board with majorities of women and people of color, and offered me, personally, invaluable mentorship.

“Catherine has dedicated 18 years to public service—six years on Rye City Council followed by six terms steadfastly representing District 7 on the Board. Her legislative leadership on environmental issues set a high standard for the future, improving quality of life for the Sound Shore towns she represents and all of Westchester—from advancing flood-control measures, to creating a County Office of Sustainability, to stewarding the management of Rye Playland, a cherished County gem.

“We will deeply miss Ben and Catherine’s wisdom, their unwavering commitment to service, and their friendship. And we know they’ll take our calls in the future, ready to offer the guidance that will keep Westchester on the firm footing they’ve helped build.”

County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “I would like to extend my most heartfelt congratulations to my friends, Former Chair and Legislator Ben Boykin and Legislator Catherine Parker, on their well-deserved retirement from the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Their years of dedicated service, thoughtful leadership, and commitment to the people of Westchester have left a profound impact on our communities.

“During his tenure, both as legislator and Chair of the Board, Legislator Boykin guided his colleagues through complex budget cycles, COVID, and advanced policies that strengthened County Services. Legislator Parker’s deep commitment to the Sound Shore communities and strong advocacy on quality-of-life issues made a meaningful difference to the residents she served. As they begin this next chapter, I offer my sincere gratitude for their partnership and tireless effort on behalf of the people of Westchester. We wish them continued success and fulfillment in all that they do.”

Legislator Benjamin Boykin II (D—White Plains, Scarsdale, West Harrison) said, “I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award from the Westchester County Board of Legislators, the highest honor the Board bestows. My twelve-year tenure here has been historic and transformative in many respects as I led this Board as Chairman for four years from 2018–2021. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues and our outstanding staff to move our County forward. My service has been a labor of love and I thank my constituents and all the residents of Westchester for allowing me to help make our County a better place to live, work, and enjoy.”

Legislator Catherine F. Parker (D—Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Rye) said, “It has been the honor and privilege of my life to have served as the County Legislator for the 7th District these last 12 years. So many individuals and local organizations have shown me over my tenure that we can achieve so much when we come together to tackle problems like climate change, affordability, and flooding. I leave office knowing government can be a force for good, and feeling that the legacy I leave shows the next generation that we were thinking of them as we made our policy decisions.”

Majority Leader David T. Imamura (D—Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) said, “Ben and Catherine have been amazing members of the Board Legislators. They truly leave Westchester a better place than they found it; whether it be Ben’s advocacy for economic development or Catherine’s advocacy for the environment, all Westchester residents owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.”

The legislators’ colleagues included enthusiastic statements of gratitude for the leadership, friendship, institutional knowledge both legislators freely gave throughout the years, noting in particular their steadfast leadership in County government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immediately following the celebration, the Board of Legislators convened a special meeting to vote on the 2026 Budget.