Women's Leadership Council

The NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council is the only statewide organization that offers resources specifically for women in county government.
The primary goals of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) are:
- To provide resources for women holding county office,
- To support female county officials, and
- To engage women in seeking leadership positions in their communities and within NYSAC.
- Panels, forums, workshops, and networking events at NYSAC conferences;
- Opportunities to speak with women in county government around New York State;
- Articles in the NYSAC News magazine;
- Online Resource Center, including NYSAC research and reports;
- Training opportunities.
The WLC Executive Committee assists NYSAC staff in planning events and developing resources that meet the needs of NYSAC's members.
In the News
- NYSAC Celebrates Women's History Month and Honors 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage (3/5/2020)
- NYSAC Recognizes Westchester County Board of Legislators for Female Majority (1/2019)
- Statewide program helps women in county government (9/2018)
- NYSAC Hosts Dialogue on Women in Government with International Delegates (4/18/18)
- NYSAC WLC Event Recognized With Association Excellence Award (2/12/18)
- NYSAC Launches Women's Leadership Council (4/17)
- 62 Women Elected to NYS County Positions in 2017 - 12/5/17
- Women see electoral gains at county level- 12/11/17
- Women in NYS County Government Meet to Discuss Challenges, Successes, and Solutions - 9/21/17
- NYSAC Launches Women's Leadership Council - 4/27/17
- NY Group Creates Council to Support Women in County Government - 5/8/17
Resources
- 2021 Women's History Month Resolution
- Resources for Women in County Government ( NYSAC News article- 1/2019)
- WLC Reading List (2018)
- NYSAC Resolution Recognizing Women's History Month
- Women of NACo (National Association of Counties)
- Report: Obstacles for Women in Local Government Leadership Remain After 30 Years
- Why We Need More Women Running Our Local Governments
- Why We Need More Women Leaders
- 3 Reasons Why We Need More Women In Government
- Running for Office in NYS
- Celebrating 100 years of Women's Suffrage - New York State played a crucial role in the women's rights movement that led to passage if the 19th amendment in 1917.
- Suffrage Centennials - League of Women Voters Resource Kit for planning a centennial event.
- NYS Museum Exhibit - call for artifacts- "Votes For Women: Celebrating New York’s Suffrage Centennial"
- Women's Heritage Resources from NYS Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
Executive Committee & Staff
- Hon. Martha Sauerbrey, NYSAC President and Tioga County Legislative Chair
- Hon. Claudia Braymer, Warren County Board of Supervisors
- Hon. Nancy Buck, Sullivan County Treasurer
- Hon. Indy Jaycox, Schoharie County Clerk
Previous events:
Fostering Diverse and Inclusive Leadership in Your County - 2021 Fall Seminar
Counties play a critical role in building vibrant communities, and this starts with integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into county operations. In this interactive session hosted by the WLC, county leaders heard from three Chief Diversity Officers about how to attract and retain diverse talent and create supportive work environments that enable and empower people of all identities.
Panelists:
Deanna Carrithers - Chief Equity and Diversity Officer, Tompkins County
Dr. Deanna Kimbrel - Chief Diversity Officer, Monroe County
Monica Williams - Chief Diversity Officer, Onondaga County
Women's Leadership Council: A State Perspective - 2019 NYSAC Fall Seminar
Panelists:
- Assemblymember Aileen Gunther
- Senator Jen Metzger
- Moderator: Treasurer Nancy Buck, Sullivan County
Panelists:
- Hon. Kathy Jimino – Retired Rensselaer County Executive
- Hon. Joanne Yepsen – Former Mayor of Saratoga Springs and Former Saratoga County Legislator
- Moderator: Hon. Alfreda Williams, Vice Chair of the Westchester Board of Legislators
- Sponsor: Napoli Scholnick
- View photos.
- Discussion Facilitators: Dr. Karen King, Director, Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, Angelicia A. Morris, Executive Director, Schenectady County Human Rights Commission, Martha Robertson, Chair, Tompkins County Legislature, and Marte Sauerbrey, Chair, Tioga County Legislature.
- Workshop program
- Presentation from Ellie Nieves, Leadership Strategies for Women
- Video: 2018 Women's Leadership Council workshop
- View photos from the Fall Seminar workshop and launch reception.
Discussion Facilitators: She Should Run's Erin Loos Cutraro, Senator Pam Helming, Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino, retired Assembly Member Janet L Duprey, and Cindy Shenker of Shenker Russo & Clark LLP. - Workshop Program
- Sponsor: NYS Auctions