ASSEMBLYMAN BILLY JONES has announced the winners of his 2020 Women of Distinction Awards, which recognize extraordinary North Country women who have gone above and beyond to help local communities prosper and thrive. Community members were asked to submit nominations for women who have made a significant impact on their lives or the lives of others.
“In the midst of these difficult times, it’s important that we give these exceptional women the respect and recognition they deserve,” Jones said. “There is no better way to do this than by honoring some of the North Country’s finest with my annual Women of Distinction Awards. I look forward to congratulating each of these remarkable women at a ceremony when circumstances permit.”
Here are Assemblyman Jones’s fourth annual Women of Distinction. This year’s honorees represent a number of professional backgrounds, and come from across the 115th Assembly District.
The winners of the 2020 Women of Distinction Awards are:
Stacey Ambler, COVID-19 Frontline Standout: As the manager of the Cumberland Bay Market, Stacey has put in long hours to make sure her store is well-stocked and ready to serve the community. She also provides curbside pickup, call-ahead ordering, hot meals and essential items. She has also remained a staunch supporter of her community and local businesses throughout this public health crisis.
Ruth Demarse, Volunteerism: Ruth was nominated for the countless hours she’s spent volunteering at the Malone Adult Center. Since her retirement over two decades ago, Ruth has been dedicated to serving North Country senior citizens. Most recently, she helped deliver over 180 meals to local seniors in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Katie Francisco, Education: Katie is the principal of Saranac Middle School. She works hard to empower her students and invigorate their learning experience by inviting yoga instructors, mindfulness teachers, nutritionists, and self-defense instructors to speak at her school.
Wendy House, Law Enforcement: Wendy currently works as the recruiter assigned to Troop B Headquarters and is pursuing an Associate’s degree in criminal justice from Clinton Community College. She has served in the New York State Police for over 13 years.
Kristy Kennedy, Economic Development: Kristy has been a strong advocate for her community as vice president of marketing for the North Country Chamber of Commerce. She has also led the chamber’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is a member of multiple advisory boards and committees.
Storm Treanor, Health Care: For over 50 years, Storm Treanor has served the North Country community, first as an ER nurse and currently as coordinator of Clinton County Emergency Medical Services. Additionally, she teaches EMT recertification classes and works as an ER preceptor for other nurses.
Betsy Vicencio, Community and Civic Affairs: In addition to her role as the CFO and vice president of The Northeast Group, a Plattsburgh-based printing and fulfillment company, Betsy is Vice Chair of the UVMHN at VPH
Board of Trustees and a Trustee of Clinton Community College.