LEAF’s Julie Dostal

Woman Of Distinction

She’ll Be Honored At State Capitol May 9

ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, announced a few minutes ago that Julie Dostal, executive director of Oneonta’s LEAF, the addiction-fighting organization, has been selected as a 2017 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction.”

She will be honored on May 9 at an Albany reception at the Capitol along with other “Women of Distinction” from across the state.

“Women like Julie Dostal make a profound, positive difference in the lives of others and are a prime reason why New York is so special,” said Seward.  “Julie has made it her life’s work to help others through the LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions and it has been my privilege to work with her on a number of occasions.

“In recent years,” he continued, “through my role on the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid, I have frequently partnered with Julie as we work together to beat this public health epidemic.  She is devoted to her work and the community and brings professionalism and energy to every challenge she tackles.  Julie truly embodies the essence and spirit of this award and I am extremely proud to honor her as a senate Woman of Distinction.”

In the announcement, Dostal said she is “deeply honored” by the recognition.  “Working with (the senator) over the years to help bring about positive change in our community has always been a pleasure,” she said.  “It is overwhelming to be counted among the amazing, impactful women who have preceded me as Women of Distinction.  Many of them are still out there changing the world and I can only hope to do the same.”

Dostal, Ph.D., has been with the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions since 1998. She is also the chair of the Otsego County Opiate Task Force, actively working with agencies, businesses, healthcare organizations, and individuals to help stem the tide of our current opioid epidemic.

She teaches an upper level course on addiction at SUNY Oneonta’s Department of Human Ecology and is a state master trainer.  She has earned recognition and respect on the national stage.  She serves as the president of the Professional Association of Council Executives and is on the board of directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies (NCADD).   As a woman in long-term recovery, Dostal is especially proud of her work with NCADD, which was founded by one of the first women to go public about her sobriety through the 12-step movement.

The senate’s “Woman 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 Yorkers.

Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the worlds of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.