Senator Farley Names Nisky Children’s Advocate As Woman of Distinction

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) will have the pleasure of honoring Deborah Gordon Mullaney of Niskayuna with the State Senate’s Woman of Distinction award on May 5th at 5 p.m. in Albany. The program honors distinguished women whose outstanding work in their communities makes them deserving of special recognition by the State Senate.

“Debby is a dynamic, dedicated and passionate civic leader as well as a valued advocate for children,” Senator Farley said. “I am honored to present this award to her.”

Ms. Mullaney has been a member of the Ellis Medicine Board of Trustees since 2003, and because of her exceptional leadership skills, was appointed Chair of the Board in 2012. Her reputation as an outstanding administrator is a direct reflection of her love and dedication to Schenectady County and especially to young people in the community. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Schenectady Foundation and is a member of the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Schenectady Auxiliary, having served as past President of the Auxiliary.

In addition, while raising four children, Debby has given her time, talent and energy to numerous community organizations over the years. She is the past Chair of the Foundation for Ellis Medicine; a member and past President of the Niskayuna High School PTO; past President of the Niskayuna DARE program; past President of the Northeast Parent & Child Society; past President of the Schenectady Theatre for Children; and past President of the Junior League of Schenectady. In her work with abused and neglected children, Debby founded and served as past Chair of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Schenectady, advocating for foster children in the family court and child welfare system.

Debby holds a Bachelor's degree in American History from Connecticut College as well as a Master's degree in Education from the State University of New York at Albany. She has been honored for her community service with such awards as the YWCA Woman of Achievement, the Junior League of Schenectady Volunteer of the Year, and as an inductee in the Niskayuna High School Hall of Fame.

Senator Farley said, “Deborah Mullaney is truly a model of strength and generosity, and a source of inspiration to the people and families she touches, to the Schenectady community and beyond.”