Senator Defrancisco Honors Indi Shelby as Central New York's "Woman of Distinction"

Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C Syracuse) presented Indi L. Shelby, with the 2011 "Women of Distinction" award for the 50th Senate District. The Senate honors women from Central New York and throughout the State at a reception in Albany. 

"I am proud to honor the many contributions of Indi Shelby," said Senator DeFrancisco. "She has touched the lives of so many citizens in our community. She should be commended for her dedication to helping others and for the kindness and caring that she has shown others." 

Currently, Ms. Shelby serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Visiting Nurses A Systems, Inc., the parent or sister agencies, Independent Health Care Services, Inc., The Visiting Nurses Association Foundation of Central New York, and the Visiting Nurse Association of Central New York, Inc., as well as affiliate agency, CCH Home Care & Palliative Services, Inc. 

Under Ms. Shelby’s leadership, the Visiting Nurses Association has solidified their position as one of Central New York’s most trusted, respected and widely known home care systems. 

Ms. Shelby serves on the Board of Directors at Community General Hospital, Francis House, and the Home Care Association of New York State. She is a member of the Governor-appointed Home Health Care Reimbursement Workgroup, charged with studying the impact of changes to the home care reimbursement system. 

Senator DeFrancisco and his Senate Majority colleagues started the "Women of Distinction" program in 1998 as a way to recognize the contributions of women in New York State who have enhanced the lives of those around them and who, through their achievements, have inspired other women and their communities. Each honoree will be recognized at today's ceremony and their photograph and biography will be displayed in an exhibit proclaiming the special contributions of each "Woman of Distinction." 

Previous honorees have included remarkable women from the academic, civic and business arenas, as well as women who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries, or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.