Senator Jim Alesi (R-Perinton) announced today that Maureen Chisholm of Fairport and Katherine Clark of Rochester have been selected as 2007 "Women of Distinction." Both women will be honored at a ceremony tonight at the State Capitol in Albany.
"Both of these remarkable women truly exemplify the definition of "Women of Distinction," said Senator Alesi. "I am so proud of their achievements and to nominate them for this statewide recognition. They both are valued members of their community and have served as role models for others. Each has given selflessly of their time and energy in their career and to the many civic and non profit organizations they are members of. Both women have been afflicted with and overcome a serious life-threatening illness and have since dedicated their time and efforts to helping others who have also been diagnosed."
Maureen Chisholm retired from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after 27 years of service and achieving the rank of Major. To date, she remains the highest ranking woman in the history of the Sheriff’s Department. Retiring due to leukemia, Ms. Chisholm underwent two bone marrow treatments and remains in remission. Throughout her career, she encountered many crisis situations where parents had no safe options for their children. Today, she is the Executive Director of Crisis Nursery of Greater Rochester, an organization that provides a safe haven for children. Crisis Nursery provides 24 hour care to children newborn to age 10 while parents resolve their crisis. Additionally, Ms. Chisholm serves on various task forces and charitable boards.
"Maureen worked her way from part time deputy to achieving the highest rank ever by a women in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department," said Senator Alesi. "That is no small feat in a career where every day one puts their life on the line to protect the citizens of Monroe County. Successfully beating leukemia, Maureen has gone on to continue to protect our county’s most vulnerable citizens, although in a different capacity. She continues to give of her time and energy to ensure that children are safe, residents are able to work through their problems and she serves on various charitable boards. It is an honor to nominate her for this award."
Ms. Clark is the CEO and owner of Clark Moving and Storage, a business she founded with her husband Richard in 1985. Under her guidance and leadership, Clark Moving and Storage has grown to a $10 million dollar business, been included in Rochester Top 100 and expanded it services from Rochester to Albany. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998, Ms. Clark has become very active in the breast cancer community having served as co-chair of the Rochester Breast Cancer Coalition and Honorary Chair for the Highland Breast Cancer Education Luncheon. She also works closely with newly diagnosed women and facilitates a monthly gathering of breast cancer survivors. In addition to serving on numerous non-profit boards, she also holds many corporate board positions due to her record of success with Clark Moving and Storage.
"Kathy is a remarkable businesswoman with a keen sense of how to grow and expand a business into a multi-million dollar company," said Senator Alesi. "Her contributions to the Rochester community extend far beyond economics. She has dedicated herself to helping women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and leading the fight for a cure. Kathy is also very active in the business community, serving on many boards that help contribute to economic growth in Monroe County. It’s my pleasure to nominate her for this honor."
Both women will be honored tonight in Albany at ceremony in the Legislative Office Building next to the State Capitol at the Senate’s 10th Annual ‘Women of Distinction’ Ceremony. Their names will be included in the roll of other women who have made an impact in the community that they lived in and improved the quality of life for all New Yorker’s. Some notable names they will join include Lucille Ball, Susan B. Anthony, Emma Willard, Harriet Tubman and "Grandma Moses" Robertson.
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