Women's Leadership Council

The NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council is the only statewide organization that offers resources specifically for women in county government. 

Women's History Month

In recognition of Women's History Month, NYSAC is celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage and Women's Contributions to local government all month long. Check back here regularly for updates on what NYSAC and counties around the state are doing to celebrate Women's History Month!

As part of our celebtration, NYSAC is providing counties with a sample resolution:
Women's History Month Resolution (doc) PFD


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.

 The WLC is a bipartisan organization that offers resources specifically for women in county government and women interested in pursuing county leadership, including:

• 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

• 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. MaryEllen Odell, Putnam County Executive
• Hon. Claudia Braymer, Warren County Board of Supervisors
• Hon. Nancy  Buck, Sullivan County Treasurer
• Hon. Indy Jaycox, Schoharie County Clerk
• Hon. Lucille McKnight, Albany County Legislator
• Hon. Martha Robertson, Tompkins County Legislative Chair
• Hon. Martha Sauerbrey, Tioga County Legislative Chair
• Staff Liaison: Nicole Correia, NYSAC
   

Previous events:

• Women's Leadership Council: A State Perspective - 2019 NYSAC Fall Seminar 
  • Panelists:
    • Assemblymember Aileen Gunther
    • Senator Jen Metzger
    • Moderator: Treasurer Nancy Buck, Sullivan County 
       
• Local Government Trailblazers - 2019 NYSAC Legislative Conference                                                    
  • 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
       
• Women's Leadership Roundtables -2018 NYSAC Fall Seminar:
  • 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
     
• Leadership Strategies for Women in Government with Ellie Nieves - 2018 Legislative Conference workshop. 
  • Presentation from Ellie Nieves, Leadership Strategies for Women 
  • Video: 2018 Women's Leadership Council workshop
     
• Meeting of the Minds roundtable workshop and WLC Launch reception - 2017 Fall Seminar 
  • 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 
     
• Women's Leadership: Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul- 2017 Legislative Conference
  • Video: January 2017 NYSAC Women's Leadership Roundtable: Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul