Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) presents citations to Women of Distinction award recipients Marilyn Williams (far left), Dr. Robin Riecker (middle left), Denise Cavanaugh (middle right) and Laura Powers (far right) on Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Press Release - Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C-Mohawk Valley and the Adirondacks) was proud to present citations to this year’s remarkable Women of Distinction in Herkimer County. The Women of Distinction Program provides a means for counties to nominate and recognize hard-working women in our communities. “I was very pleased our Herkimer office received numerous nominations for this year’s Women of Distinction awards,” said Smullen. “Honoring the accomplishments and selflessness of the incredible women in our counties is an important tradition I am happy to be a part of.” This year’s Women of Distinction include Denise Cavanuagh, Marilyn Williams, Laura Powers and Dr. Robin Riecker of Herkimer County.

Denise Cavanaugh worked in a multitude of fields throughout her career, once Manager of the Herkimer County Trust Bank, Executive Director of YWCA Mohawk Valley, Grant Writer of “Bridges to Health” for the House of the Good Shepherd and Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties. She is Co-Proprietor of Raindrops on Roses Bed & Breakfast and Wine Tasting Room in Herkimer County, and also serves as executive director of the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce.

Marilyn Williams has contributed hard work and volunteer hours to her community for over half a century. She has been a Member of the Dolgeville Fire Department Auxiliary for over 50 years and a Member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 48 years (working as a secretary there for over 20 years). Marilyn’s passion is her involvement in the Dolgeville Youth Commission, where she has been involved for over 30 years, and she is currently Chair of the “Christmas for Children” program. Marilyn is also very involved in the Dolgeville Village, helping organize the Dolgeville Violet Festival year after year, serving on the Village of Dolgeville Planning Board and receiving the YWCA’s Salute to Outstanding Women Award in 2011.

Laura Powers is a very active and professional member of her community as a trusted financial advisor. When she is not helping clients with their retirement goals, she sits as Board Secretary for YWCA Mohawk Valley and sits on the Board of Directors for the Bassett Healthcare Network at Little Falls Hospital, Urban Renewal Agency for the City of Little Falls and Little Falls Community Outreach. She is also a past recipient of the “Salute to Outstanding Women” award from YWCA Mohawk Valley.

Last but not least, Dr. Robin Riecker currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Herkimer County Community College, where she oversees several programs including HCCC’s Division of Humanities and Social Sciences, International Program, Phase I Police Academy and College in Prison Program. Her passion for these programs and her dedication to the HCCC campus community has provided students with remarkable educational opportunities which will help them excel in a variety of fields.

“Congratulations to each of this year’s recipients of the 2023 Women of Distinction award. I would like to personally thank all of the nominees for their community service and dedication. I look forward to seeing the amazing work these women continue to do down the road, and I look forward to honoring many more deserving women next year,” concluded Smullen. ress

Assemblyman Robert Smullen represents the 118th Assembly District, which includes Hamilton County and parts of Montgomery, Fulton, Herkimer and Oneida counties