Albany, N.Y., May 6—At a ceremony in the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Tuesday night, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and his Senate colleagues honored Heather Perkins, Chief Operations Officer at The Arc Allegany-Steuben, as a New York State Senate 2026 “Woman of Distinction.”

A resident of Andover (Allegany County), Perkins began her career with Allegany Arc in 2003 as a Medicaid Service Coordinator and advanced through various positions, including Behavior Technician, Behavior Specialist, and Director for Behavioral Services, before being named Chief Operations Officer in 2023. 

Throughout more than two decades at the agency, she has become widely respected for her leadership and steadfast, compassionate commitment to those she serves. The Arc Allegany-Steuben is an active member of the Collaborative of NY. The Collaborative is a regional association of not-for-profit NYSARC, Inc. human service agencies serving 9,000 individuals challenged with developmental disabilities and their families in 19 counties. Collaborative agencies individually provide residential and day habitation programs, family support, pre-school education, job training, and job placement. The collaborative has grown to include all Western and Central New York Chapters.

O’Mara said, “I am grateful to have this opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to Heather’s leadership, compassion, commitment, and countless contributions to the excellence, quality, and strength of The Arc Allegany-Steuben, as well as to her home community of Andover where she and her family exhibit an admirable and deep sense of citizenship, pride, and support. Her dedication to service in her career and in her many volunteer contributions to her community is a shining example of the devotion and effort that makes all the difference for the success of every local community. Heather’s leadership and advocacy have long made a difference in countless lives and truly defines what it means to be a ‘Woman of Distinction.’ I am proud, on behalf of our entire 58th Senate District, to extend this well-deserved and well-earned tribute of appreciation, gratitude, and respect.”

The Arc Allegany-Steuben Executive Director Mike Damiano said, “On behalf of The Arc Allegany-Steuben, it is my distinct honor to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Heather Perkins on being named a 2026 Woman of Distinction. This recognition is a powerful and well‑deserved tribute to Heather’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Heather exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve with purpose. Through her compassion, professionalism, and tireless advocacy, she has helped strengthen our organization and our broader community. Her work reflects a deep belief in dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all, and she leads not by title alone, but by example—uplifting those around her and inspiring positive change every day. We are incredibly grateful for the impact Heather continues to have on The Arc Allegany-Steuben and the people we support.”

The Arc Allegany-Steuben Executive Assistant Rebecca Decker, who nominated Perkins for this year’s award, added, “Heather Perkins is one of the very best people I know, and I’m thrilled for her to receive this recognition. Heather is all heart, everything she does, she does out of love, with kindness and generosity. Heather is quiet in her quest to make the world a better place. It’s in every moment Heather spends volunteering. It’s the way Heather builds up people that work for and with her. It’s the million ways Heather and her family give back to our community. I once heard, ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’ and Heather is the epitome of that person. Heather is humble in her success and it’s one of her most charming features. Heather somehow misses what the rest of us see, and that is that our world is a more vibrant, welcoming place because she’s in it. Heather inspires, encourages, and wants better for everyone. Better dreams. Better chances. Better opportunities. To be better people. My life is far richer having Heather in it and I am genuinely happy to see her recognized as a ‘Woman of Distinction.’” 

Perkins was honored as part of the Senate’s 28th Annual “Women of Distinction” celebration in Albany on Tuesday night and joined more than 60 other honorees representing state senatorial districts throughout New York. O’Mara selected Perkins from among many nominations he received this year to represent his 58th Senate District covering all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and the eastern half of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).

In the photo above, she was accompanied to Albany yesterday by her husband, Brian, and their sons, Derek (l.) and Rogan.

The Senate's annual recognition program, which began in March to coincide with Women's History Month, allows senators statewide to select one honoree from their respective legislative districts to be celebrated for their significant accomplishments, service, and contributions to the quality of life within and beyond their communities. 

In addition to her work through The Arc Allegany-Steuben, Perkins is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Vice President of the Andover Chamber of Commerce and holds multiple roles supporting the Andover Fire Department, including Secretary and as an active member. She serves as Secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary where she received Member of the Year awards in 2019 and 2022. She is also involved in the Andover Sports Boosters, Fourth of July Committee, and previously contributed to the Andover Bicentennial Celebration Committee. Her volunteer efforts extend to supporting veterans, delivering meals to families in need, participating in community fundraisers, and assisting first responders through the Allegany County Critical Incident Stress Team.

Perkins’ full Women of Distinction biography reads as follows: 

O’Mara’s past “Women of Distinction” honorees have included:

> Carol Berry of Hornell, a longstanding regional library professional and director of the Dormann Library in Bath;

> Virginia “Ginny” Houseknecht of Watkins Glen, a longtime area Cornell Cooperative Extension educator and leader, and founder of the Southern Tier Parkinson’s Disease Support Group;

> Beverly “Bev” Stamp, co-owner and operator of Lakewood Vineyards in Watkins Glen, a long-time and beloved ambassador of New York State’s nationally and internationally renowned wine and grape industry;

> Lauren R. Snyder, a public health professional from Penn Yan who served as the Yates County Public Health Director for 28 years;

> Linda Thomas, owner and operator of the Wellsburg Diner and recipient of a prestigious “Small Business Excellence Award” from the U.S. Small Business Administration;

> Dawn R. Smith, Transition and Care Management (TCM) Program Manager at the Bath VA Medical Center and a well-known local veterans advocate;

> Carmella Hoffmann, Owner and Operator of Sunset View Creamery in Odessa (Schuyler County);

> Kathryn J. Boor, a native of Chemung County and former Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University; 

> Pauline “Polly” Holbrook, a longtime stalwart of civic affairs in the city of Hornell and the Canisteo Valley;

> Natasha Thompson, former President and Chief Executive Officer of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier; 

> Nancy Kirby, a longstanding advocate and leader for small businesses and entrepreneurship throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions; 

> Melinda Marquart, a lifelong resident of Seneca County and county’s first-ever female Undersheriff; and, last year

>  Leslie Church, Chair of the Yates County Legislature and widely known and respected as a leader in Yates County and throughout the Finger Lakes region in public service, volunteerism, and community development.