SENATOR KATHLEEN MARCHIONE ANNOUNCES KARI BOVENZI, MD AS THE “2013 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION” FOR 43rd SENATE DISTRICT

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2013

Contact: Josh Fitzpatrick, (518) 455-2381, fitzpatr@nysenate.gov 

SENATOR KATHLEEN MARCHIONE ANNOUNCES KARI BOVENZI, MD AS THE “2013 WOMAN OF DISTINCTION” FOR 43^rd SENATE DISTRICT

Dr. Bovenzi is a Pediatrician and owner of Genesis Pediatrics, served as Co-Chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery and is helping families challenged by Lyme Disease 

Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon) today announced that she has selected Dr. Kari Bovenzi of Wynantskill, as her “2013 Woman of Distinction” for the 43^rd Senate District, which includes parts of Rensselaer, Saratoga and Washington Counties, and all of Columbia County. The announcement of Dr. Bovenzi as Senator Marchione’s 2013 Woman of Distinction was made today as the State Senate honored all of the 2013 Women of Distinction from each of the 63 Senatorial Districts during a special recognition ceremony held in Albany. Dr. Bovenzi is included in the Senate’s statewide 2013 Women of Distinction printed program, website and public gallery on display in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. 

Dr. Bovenzi is a Pediatrician, the owner of Genesis Pediatrics, and also served as co-chair of Capital Region Heart Gallery, an organization formed to assist older children and sibling groups waiting for adoption. Dr. Bovenzi is winning her own battle with chronic Lyme Disease, is speaking out to raise public awareness of the growing regional concern of Lyme Disease, and assists many families doing battle with the challenges of Lyme Disease at her Pediatric practice. 

Dr. Bovenzi volunteered with Kid’s Celebration Children’s Ministry at Grace Fellowship, was a board member of Alpha Pregnancy Care Center and the Loudonville Christian School and was a recipient of the Capital Region Leaders in Business Award and the Community Leading Women Award. She also was an Adjunct Professor at SUNY Albany. Previously, Dr. Bovenzi served as Emma Willard School Physician and as WGY Radio’s Children’s Wellness Doctor. 

In total, Senator Marchione received nine local nominations for the popular and prestigious Women of Distinction Program. Women living in the 43^rd District were eligible for nomination and a special Advisory Panel of local women assisted Senator Marchione in reviewing all the nominations. The Panel was comprised of local educators, artists and business owners, all of whom have served their communities as leaders and volunteers, and included Linda Sharpe of Germantown, Susan Reynolds of Easton and Sheila Lobdell of West Sand Lake. 

“I received nominations of many accomplished, impressive, community-minded women from across the 43^rd Senate District, so selecting the 2013 Woman of Distinction was not an easy assignment for me and my Advisory Panel. Dr. Bovenzi’s personal battle with Lyme Disease – and how she is managing this challenge and using her experience and extensive medical training to help families in the Capital Region also dealing with Lyme Disease – truly distinguished her,” said Senator Marchione, who in 2010 was named a Senate Woman of Distinction.  

“Dr. Bovenzi’s commitment to children and families is strong, as evidenced through her life and work that includes private medical practice, academia, public health and many charitable leadership and community service positions. Dr. Bovenzi is a woman of character, a woman of courage, and now she is the 2013 Woman of Distinction for our 43^rd Senate District. I am proud to have selected Dr. Bovenzi, and so very proud of all the distinguished and accomplished nominees that I received and reviewed for this important program. Our 43^rd Senate District is truly fortunate to have such an abundance of women of distinction,” Senator Marchione stated. 

“I want to thank Senator Marchione, and the Advisory Panel, for naming me the 2013 Woman of Distinction for the 43^rd Senate District. This recognition is truly an honor that I will always appreciate. I also want to recognize my fellow nominees considered for this terrific program, and especially thank my family for all of their love and support,” Dr. Bovenzi said. 

“I believe that every woman truly is a woman of distinction and deserves to have her life and personal achievements recognized, honored and appreciated, which is why I strongly supported the 2013 Women of Distinction Program and will continue building on, and promoting, this wonderful initiative so more women can have their lives, their work and their accomplishments commemorated,” concluded Senator Marchione. 

All of Senator Marchione’s 2013 Women of Distinction nominees for the 43^rd Senate District will receive an official Senate Certificate and have their many achievements publicly recognized during a special local ceremony on May 30. In addition, all the nominees will have their picture and biographical information included as part of a local commemorative program. 

-30-