“It is with great enthusiasm that I announce the creation of the NYSAC Women's Leadership Council,” Cherry said.  “I'm pleased that Hon. MaryEllen Odell, NYSAC President-Elect and Putnam County Executive, has agreed to chair the Women's Leadership Council Executive Committee.”

The purpose of the Council is to provide resources for women serving in elected positions at the county level. Diversity in public office will lend itself to public policy that best benefits our citizens, and is representative of our communities. 

The launch of the Women's Leadership Council coincides with the 100^th anniversary of New York State signing women's suffrage into law, three years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting all United States women the right to vote.

“I'm honored to chair the launch of this important initiative, and to work with my colleagues in county office to provide resources to women in elected county positions,” County Executive Odell said. “I look forward to celebrating the launch of the Women's Leadership Council as I begin my NYSAC presidency this fall.”

Women remain underrepresented in elected office (women only make up 23 percent of government roles at the state and local level – that number drops when looking only at local elected positions). Resources to support women serving in local government or considering a run for local office are necessary if those numbers are to grow. 

The NYSAC Women's Leadership Council is the first program in New York State focused specifically on providing support to women in county leadership, and expands NYSAC's ongoing series of workshops and training focused on women in government. 

Other presidential appointments to the Women's Leadership Council Executive Committee include:

• Hon. Kathy Jimino, Rensselaer County Executive
• Hon. Martha Sauerbrey, Tioga County Legislative Chair
• Hon. Lucille McKnight, Albany County Legislator
• Hon. Martha Robertson, Tompkins County Legislator
• Hon. Nancy  Buck, Sullivan County Treasurer
• Hon. Claudia Braymer, Warren County Board of Supervisors

 The launch of the Women's Leadership Roundtable will be celebrated at the NYSAC Fall Seminar in Onondaga County, September 13-15, 2017. For more information, visit www.nysac.org/womensleadership

The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC's mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.