Leslie Church, Chair of the Yates County Legislature, will be honored next week as a 2025 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction”, recognizing her decades of leadership in public service, volunteerism, and community advocacy across the Finger Lakes.
The award will be presented Tuesday at a ceremony in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) selected Church to represent his 58th Senate District, which spans Yates, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Seneca, Tioga, and part of Allegany County.
A groundbreaking public service career
Church’s journey in local government began in 2000 when she was appointed to the Town of Milo Planning Board. She later joined the Milo Town Board and made history in 2011 as the first female Town Supervisor. That same year, she became a member of the Yates County Legislature.
In recent years, Church shattered further barriers:
- 2020: First woman to serve as Vice Chair of the Legislature
- 2022: Elected as the first female Chair of the Yates County Legislature
O’Mara praises Church’s leadership
Senator O’Mara highlighted Church’s achievements in a public statement:
“Leslie exemplifies grassroots leadership. Her commitment to Yates County has made an enormous difference. She defines what it means to be a leader and a strong advocate for local communities.”
Champion for Keuka Lake and community well-being
Beyond her legislative duties, Church plays an active role in preserving the Keuka Lake Watershed:
- Chair, Keuka Watershed Intermunicipal Cooperative
- Vice Chair, Keuka Outlet Compact
She also contributes to several county-level organizations, including:
- Youth Board
- S2AY Rural Health Network
- Public Safety Committee
- Human Services Committee (as Chair)
Her efforts have consistently focused on public health, social services, and improving access for vulnerable residents in Yates County.
Service beyond politics
Church is also known for her advocacy work and volunteerism:
- Active Master Gardener with Cornell Cooperative Extension
- MS Peer Advocate with Teva Neuroscience
- Named an Inspirational Woman on the Move in 2011 by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for her work to raise awareness and funding for MS research
Celebrating women leaders across New York
The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program, now in its 27th year, honors one woman from each legislative district who has made a significant impact through service and leadership. It began as part of Women’s History Month and continues to highlight the vital role of women in building stronger communities.
Church will join over 60 other honorees at the ceremony in Albany.
Past honorees from the 58th District
Church joins an accomplished list of past recipients selected by Senator O’Mara, including:
- Lauren Snyder, former Yates County Public Health Director
- Carol Berry, regional library leader
- Beverly “Bev” Stamp, Lakewood Vineyards co-owner
- Dawn R. Smith, veterans advocate at the Bath VA
- Melinda Marquart, Seneca County’s first female Undersheriff
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