Patricia D. Marks Honored as "Woman of Distinction"

Senator Jim Alesi announced today that Patricia Marks, Interim President and CEO of Veterans Outreach Center, Inc., has been selected as a 2012 “Woman of Distinction.”  Judge Marks was welcomed to Albany on May 15^th, where she was honored at a ceremony at the State Capitol.

“There are remarkable women in our midst whose lives, work and accomplishments contribute to enhancing our communities, strengthening our families and serving as role models to others,” said Senator Alesi.  “The Senate’s ‘Women of Distinction’ program provides an opportunity to honor women, like Judge Marks, for their achievements and to thank them for the pride they bring to our communities.  I am proud to recognize Judge Marks as this year’s ‘Woman of Distinction’ for her tireless work, volunteerism and commitment to our community. Her name will join those of other women whose accomplishments, sacrifices and good deeds are deserving of special recognition.”

Judge Patricia D. Marks is a well-known and highly-regarded retired Monroe County Court Judge.  She has been recognized on many occasions for her selfless devotion and service to her community by all kinds of organizations, including law enforcement groups, universities, local associations, and veterans chapters. 

A graduate of Vassar College and Albany Law School at Union University, Judge Marks began her legal career as a Monroe County Assistant District Attorney in 1976, where she quickly earned the respect and admiration of her peers.  In 1984, as an accomplished trial attorney and chief of the newly established Economic Crime Bureau, Judge Marks left the District Attorney’s office to become a Monroe County Court Judge, where she served until her retirement in January 2011.

While a County Court Judge, Judge Marks heard cases on civil, criminal and family matters, and presided over the Drug, Mental Health and Veteran Treatment courts to assist those individuals with specialized needs and to ensure that our veterans had an advocate in court.  In 1994, Judge Marks was appointed as the Supervising Judge of the criminal courts in the Seventh Judicial District, and implemented new initiatives to improve the efficiency and collaboration of the criminal courts in an eight-county district.

For her efforts on behalf of our veterans, Judge Marks, a member of the board at Veterans Outreach Center, was selected as the Interim CEO/President earlier this year to help guide the center through the coming months, and to raise awareness for the programs and services it offers to veterans.

The Senate’s “Women of Distinction” program was created to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.  Judge Marks represents the 55^th Senate District and joins honorees from across New York at the Senate’s annual “Women of Distinction” tribute.  The awards ceremony and reception were held in the Legislative Office Building, where Judge Marks’ biography and photo were displayed as part of a special Senate exhibit.

#####