Senator Owen H. Johnson honors Eileen Kavanaugh, Director of the Bay Shore/Brightwaters Public Library as his 2009 Woman of Distinction.
Having worked in the libraries since the age of fifteen, Eileen has hellped to redefine the mission of libraries in Suffolk County in the 21st century. She started her career at the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library in 1970, becoming an Assistant Director in 1976 and the Library Director in 1991. In the succeeding years, she oversaw expanded services and implemented new, innovative programs to accommodate a much expanded population; assisted in the acquisition of property and construction for additional patron parking; and just recently completed a multimillion dollar major renovation and expansion of the entire Library. Having resided in the hamlet of Bay Shore since 1991, Eileen has volunteered many hours of her time to the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, Dountown Redevelopment Committee, Friends of the Library Club and the Historic Sagtikos Manor. In 2005, she received the Bay Shore-Brightwaters distinguished Citizen of the Year Award.
Others present to celebrate Eileen's accomplishments include three former Women of Distinction recipients. From left to right: Dr. Evelyn Blose Holman, Superintendent of the Bay Shore School District, Eileen Kavanaugh, Senator Owen H. Johnson, Angie Carpenter, Suffolk County Treasurer, Donna Periconi, President of the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce.
