Smithtown Resident Named Suffolk's Woman Of Distinction

HAUPPAUGE, NY — In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Suffolk County Legislature honored local women for the work they do to better the county and community, according to a news release.

Smithtown resident Kathy Albrecht was recognized as the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction.

One deserving woman is nominated from each of the 18 legislative districts in Suffolk. Then, an overall county-wide honoree is chosen by the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission as the Suffolk County Woman of Distinction.

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
1980s. 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 Albrecht from her weekly column, "Around Smithtown," where she writes about local events and residents celebrating milestones in the community.

Albrecht 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.

"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 Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey, legislator of the 14th Legislative District, nominated Judy Skillen.

"Each of these praise-worthy women are residents of our county who have had a profound and positive impact in their respective communities," McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey lauded Skillen for her "passionate" advocacy 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," McCaffrey said. "It was also a pleasure to recognize Kathy Albrecht as the 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction."

Below is a list of Suffolk County legislators and who they nominated:

• LD1: Catherine Stark: Kelly McClinchy
• LD2 Ann Welker: Julie Ratner
• LD3 Jim Mazzarella: Wendy Gross
• LD4 Nick Caracappa: Neely McCahey
• LD5 Steve Englebright: Johanna Kosak
• LD6 Chad Lennon: Beatrice Roberto
• LD7 Dominick Thorne: Danielle DeMicco Paisley
• LD8 Anthony Piccirillo: Colleen Riccomini
• LD9 Sam Gonzalez: Eileen Felix
• LD10 Trish Bergin: Bryttnee Parris
• LD11 Steven J. Flotteron: Lisa Pace O’Leary
• LD12 Leslie Kennedy: Maria Camassa
• LD13 Rob Trotta: Kathy Albrecht
• LD14 Kevin McCaffrey: Judy Skillen
• LD15 Jason Richberg: Geraldine "Gerry" Doherty
• LD16 Rebecca Sanin: Leslie Bellissimo
• LD17 Tom Donnelly: Margery "Margie" Marotta
• LD18 Stephanie Bontempi: Linda Oristano