Keeping with its Woman’s History Month tradition, the Suffolk County Legislature nominated a woman from each of the 18 legislative districts to honor their community enhancement efforts.
Smithtown’s Kathy Albrecht, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, was honored as the countywide honoree in a special presentation on Tuesday, March 4. A Dennison Building-held luncheon followed with Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine in attendance.
“While working and raising a family, Kathy’s commitment to Smithtown and Suffolk County is evident by her long-time dedication and volunteer leadership,” Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey said of Albrecht.
Before earning the most prestigious honor, Albrecht was first selected by Legislator Rob Trotta as his woman of distinction out of their shared 13th Legislative District.
The Army Veteran and mother of two has lived in Smithtown for 40-plus years with her husband, Dave.
Having joined the services out of high school, and spent a substantial amount of time as a military-grade helicopter medic throughout the 1980s.
Albrecht next became known on the local front for spearheading efforts within Smithtown's Chamber of Commerce and Historical Society, and for her “Around Smithtown” weekly column.
Other notable women of distinction across Brookhaven and the South Shore included Kelly McClinchy (Manorville), Wendy Gross (Shirley), Johanna Kosak (Port Jeff Station), Beatrice Roberto (Sound Beach), Danielle DeMicco Paisley (Patchogue), Maria Camassa (Lake Grove) and Margery “Margie” Marotta (Bay Shore).
They were nominated by Legislators Catherine Stark, Jim Mazzarella, Steve Englebright, Chad Lennon, Dominick Thorne, Leslie Kennedy and Tom Donnelly, respectively.