Senator Bonacic Announces that Former NY Court of Appeals Chief Judge and Sullivan County Resident Judith Kaye to be Honored During Women's History Month

(Albany, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that former Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, and Sullivan County resident Judith Kaye will be honored as part of the Senate’s historic Women of Distinction exhibit during the month of March.

The Women of Distinction exhibit features historic New York women, from suffragists to geneticists, labor organizers to entertainers, whose contributions are still felt today and who stand as an inspiration to the next generation of women. The exhibit will be on display in Albany from March 12-30 in the Legislative Office Building.

Judith Kaye was born in Monticello and was the first woman named to the New York State Court of Appeals, and the first to serve as the State’s Chief Judge – a job she held longer than any other person in state history. Judge Kaye developed a national reputation for groundbreaking decisions and court reforms, including creating specialized courts to focus on drug addiction, domestic violence, and mental health. She served on the Court until 2008, but remained active, serving on the state commission that recommends nominees for vacancies on the Appeals Court. She passed away in January of 2016.

“Judith Kaye was not only an inspiration to countless young female legal professionals but also a model on how to work through complex legal issues and arrive at decisions that were fair and just to everyone involved,” said Senator Bonacic. “She was born and raised in Monticello and never forgot her Sullivan County roots. I am pleased that she is being recognized for her great contributions to the State of New York.”

The Women of Distinction program was created by the Senate in 1998 to recognize the historic contributions of New Yorkers in celebration of National Women’s History Month, observed each March.