SEWARD’S 2017 ‘WOMAN OF DISTINCTION’
Dostal ‘Drive, Devotion’ Cited
At State Capitol Ceremonies
ALBANY – State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, praised 2017 “Woman of Distinction” Julie Dostal for her “drive and devotion” this afternoon at state Capitol ceremonies.
Dostal, executive director of LEAF, the Oneonta-based drug-fighting agency, was among “Women of Distinction” from across the state who are designated annually by their state senatros.
“Julie Dostal has made it her life’s work to help others and it has been my privilege to partner with her on a number of occasions,” Seward declared. “Her drive and devotion are remarkable and the community at large is the beneficiary of her ongoing efforts.”
Dostal thanked the senator for his support, adding, “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.”
Recent ones have included Marie Lusins, the powerhouse former Oneonta Town Board member, and Patricia Kennedy, Springbrook president.
Julie Dostal, Ph.D., has been with the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions since 1998, and executive director for a decade. She chairs 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.
Dostal teaches an upper level course on addiction at SUNY Oneonta in the Department of Human Ecology and is a New York 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).
Herself 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.
Along with honoring the 2017 Women of Distinction during a special ceremony at the Capitol, the senate adopted a special resolution (J.2018) congratulating the honorees.
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.
