Senator Flanagan Honors Commack Resident As His 2019 Woman Of Distinction

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) recently honored Barbara Franco of Commack as his 2019 Woman of Distinction for her work as Executive Director of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.  To celebrate the recognition, Senator Flanagan welcomed Mrs. Franco and her husband Ken to Albany to take part in a special Senate Women of Distinction ceremony.

As the Executive Director for over a decade, Mrs. Franco has utilized her marketing skills and tireless energy to enrich the lives of all Smithtown residents.  Her extensive work background includes Jones New York, Intel Corporation, Arrow Electronics, Coldwell Banker Sammis, Huntington Terrace and Sunrise Senior Living.  Using her years of experience in corporate marketing, Mrs. Franco has helped highlight and enhance the quality of life in the Town of Smithtown. 

Dedicated to her town, Mrs. Franco has been instrumental in organizing a number of events including Smithtown Festival Day, the Annual Golf Outing, 5K Running of the Bull, Smithtown Restaurant Week, Arts & Music Night and the Annual Fashion Show, which have all greatly benefited the residents of Smithtown.  The funds raised through these efforts support local community groups such as the Smithtown Food Pantry, Angela’s House and the 911 Responders Remembered Park.

As a leader in the community, Mrs. Franco has continually strived to pass on her expertise to the next generation of young men and women.  That includes working to launch the Young Professionals Group and undertaking a role as a member of the Industry Advisory Board at Smithtown High Schools to help prepare students for future business opportunities.  She is also a member of the Community Advisory Council at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center.

Most importantly, Barbara and her husband Ken have been married for 34 years and have been blessed with a beautiful, loving family. Their daughter Laura and her husband Frank are the proud parents of the couple’s first grandson Giovanni and their youngest daughter Emily recently married her husband Daniel.

“Barbara’s dedication and enthusiasm for the Town of Smithtown has greatly improved the area in so many ways and made life better for all who call it home.  She is a devoted and selfless advocate who is always willing to help and who has made a very real difference in the lives of so many – including many who remain unaware of her efforts behind the scenes.  I am proud to honor Barbara and her efforts on behalf of Smithtown residents, and to let her know how much all of us admire and appreciate her,” stated Senator Flanagan. 

The Senate’s Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 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 York residents.