At the March 4 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Kathy Albrecht, Legislator Rob Trotta’s nominee for the 2025 Woman of Distinction was announced as the person chosen by the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Committee as the overall county wide 2025 Woman of Distinction. Each legislator selects one woman from their district as their Woman of Distinction who is then considered for this overall recognition.
Kathy was recognized for her commitment to and involvement with her family, friends and community. “She has been a role model for her two daughters and other women, as well as an inspiration to all,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.
She grew up in Westbury and then the family moved to Setauket where she graduated from Ward Melville High School. She enlisted in the Army where she served as a helicopter medic from 1980-1984. She met her husband, Dave, a marine, while in the service.
Kathy and Dave have lived in Smithtown for more than 40 years. She is Chief of Staff for New York State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick and writes a column, Around Smithtown, for The Smithtown News. She is extremely involved in the community volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and director of Hospitality at the Grace Church in Smithtown, serves on the board of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and is the treasurer, a trustee with the Smithtown Cemetery Association, a member of the American Legion Post 833, former trustee at the Smithtown Historical Society and active with many other organizations.
“Kathy is an integral member of her community, and she is passionate about the town and the people who live there,” said Legislator Trotta. “In fact, several years ago she donated one of her kidneys to a young woman whom she did not know but read about her need in The Smithtown News and saw it on News 12. Kathy volunteered to be tested as a match and was pleased when she found that she was compatible with the woman. Since that time, she has been an advocate for organ donations,” added Trotta.
She has been recognized by the Smithtown Children’s Foundation with its Courage Award, New York State Medal of Honor for The Gift of Life, named the Times of Smithtown Woman of the Year 2012 and the Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s “Network of Example.”
Legislator Trotta said, “I have known Kathy a long time and she is most deserving of this recognition. She shares her time and talent with many individuals and organizations helping to make the community a great place for all to live and work.”
