Seney of Lake Placid honored as Woman of Distinction

Shirley Seney, of Lake Placid, was honored as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction at an event in Albany Tuesday evening, May 13.  State Senator Betty Little nominated Seney for the recognition.

Seney has been a long-time active and well-respected civic and governmental leader in the North Country.  In 1993, she became the first female mayor of Lake Placid.  She was then elected North Elba town supervisor, a post she held from 1996 to 2007.              

“Shirley has contributed in countless ways to the betterment of her community,” said Little.  “She chartered new paths for female elected officials and made a positive difference in the lives of those she served.  Shirley also was the only woman of the 59 signers of Lake Placid’s Winter Olympic contract with the International Olympic Committee.  A fitting honor for someone born on the opening day of the 1932 winter games!”

In addition to serving as village mayor and town supervisor, Seney was a village trustee and President of the Lake Placid School Board.  She has served as a member of the Lake Placid Kiwanis Club, American Legion Auxiliary, Literacy Volunteers and BPOE #1508, Chairman of the Advisory Board of the State and Federal Prisons and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees Tri-Lakes Federal Credit Union.  She is currently treasurer of the Lake Placid Senior

In 1991, she was nationally recognized as one of New York State’s Business & Professional Women’s Outstanding Woman of the Year.  She was named Adirondack Chapter Business and Professional Woman of the Year in 1993 and, in 2009, was inducted into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame.

The Women of Distinction program was created as part of the Senate’s celebration of Women’s History Month.  In addition to recognizing present-day women, each March, the Senate hosts a display that honors other distinguished women from New York’s past, including pioneers in education, science and the arts. 

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