MARJORIE SMITH NAMED SENATE ‘WOMAN OF DISTINCTION’

ALBANY, NY—At a ceremony in Albany, Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) today named Marjorie Smith, former Chief of the Special Victims Bureau of the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, a New York State Senate ‘Woman of Distinction.’

“Marjorie Smith is a dynamic leader who completely transformed the way we address and respond to domestic violence in our community,” said Senator Serino. “Her work is not only admirable, it is life-changing, and in many cases, life-saving. A dedicated champion for victims of domestic violence, Marj epitomizes what it means to be a ‘Woman of Distinction.’ She is nothing short of a true hero.”

The New York State Senate’s ‘Woman of Distinction’ event celebrates women from across the state who contributed significantly to the quality of life of those living within and beyond their communities. 

A local girl through and through, Smith grew up in Pleasant Valley and attended Arlington High School and Dutchess Community College before continuing on to SUNY Albany and Albany Law School.

Smith served as prosecutor in the District Attorney’s office for over three decades—from1983 until 2014. Throughout that time, she prosecuted cases of domestic violence, child abuse, homicide and sex offenses while overseeing the development of Dutchess County’s Special Victims Bureau.  Under her leadership, the program evolved from one that was completely non-existent to a position that involved the supervision of a team made up of four Senior Assistant District Attorneys, a District Attorney’s Investigator who worked to coordinate the law enforcement response to child abuse, and four Domestic Violence Outreach Workers.

On top of her work with the DA’s office, Ms. Smith was a constant figure working with organizations throughout the community in various capacities to halt domestic violence. She has been recognized and honored for her heroic work by numerous organizations.

Currently in retirement, Ms. Smith continues to serve as a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Domestic Violence and as a Citizen Appointment to the Dutchess County Criminal Justice Council.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for Grace Smith House and as a member of New York Women in Law Enforcement. 

Serino, who has made combating domestic violence a cornerstone of her time in office, continued by saying, “Marj laid the groundwork in our community, ensuring that halting domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault was made a priority. She brought these issues to the forefront, made people aware of their severity and worked tirelessly to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable. Marj has inspired countless individuals and touched the lives of even more. She has created a legacy that will undoubtedly be looked to in our community and beyond for generations to come.”

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