2025’s Suffolk County Women of Distinction - Maria Camassa, District 12
HAUPPAUGE – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Suffolk County Legislature was pleased to honor local women for the work they do to better our county and community. One deserving woman is nominated from each of the 18 legislative districts, then an overall county-wide honoree is chosen by the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission as the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction. The county-wide honoree, Kathy Albrecht of Smithtown, was recognized with a special presentation at the March 4 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge followed by a luncheon recognizing all 18 honorees with County Executive Ed Romaine at the H. Lee Dennison Building.
“I was pleased to recognize Judy Skillen from my own 14th Legislative District, joining with my colleagues who each selected an honoree from their own district. Each of these praise-worthy women are residents of our county who have had a profound and positive impact in their respective communities,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.
“For all that know Judy, she is a passionate advocate for volunteerism. A lifelong resident of Babylon Village, Judy served as a special education teacher and chairperson in the West Babylon School District and has dedicated more than three decades to serving her community through historic preservation and fostering positive change,” said McCaffrey. “It was also a pleasure to recognize Kathy Albrecht as the 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction, said McCaffrey.
Legislator Rob Trotta selected Kathy Albrecht as his honoree from the 13th Legislative District. Kathy and her husband Dave have lived in Smithtown for more than 40 years, where they raised their two daughters. She joined the Army out of high school and served as a helicopter medic in the 1980’s. Currently serving as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, she is a leading volunteer with numerous organizations, including the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and the Smithtown Historical Society. Many residents also know of Kathy from her weekly column, Around Smithtown, where she writes about local events and residents celebrating milestones in the community.
“While working and raising a family, Kathy’s commitment to Smithtown and Suffolk County is evident by her long-time dedication and volunteer leadership,” said McCaffrey.
LDLegislatorWoman of DistinctionResidence: 1 Catherine StarkKelly McClinchy Manorville2Ann WelkerJulie Ratner, Ed.D.East Hampton3Jim MazzarellaWendy GrossShirley4Nick CaracappaNeely McCahey Selden5Steve EnglebrightJohanna KosakPort Jefferson Station6Chad LennonBeatrice RobertoSound Beach7Dominick ThorneDanielle DeMicco PaisleyPatchogue8Anthony PiccirilloColleen RiccominiWest Sayville9Sam Gonzalez Eileen Felix Brentwood10Trish BerginBryttnee ParrisCentral Islip11Steven J. FlotteronLisa Pace O’LearyWest Islip12Leslie Kennedy, Maria Camassa Lake Grove, 13 Rob TrottaKathy AlbrechtSmithtown14Kevin McCaffrey, POJudy SkillenBabylon Village15Jason Richberg Geraldine “Gerry” DohertyAmityville 16Rebecca SaninLeslie BellissimoHuntington17Tom DonnellyMargery “Margie” MarottaBay Shore18Stephanie BontempiLinda OristanoNorthport