Ortt honors Wydysh as a 2023 New York State 'Woman of Distinction'

Outstanding women from throughout state honored at Albany ceremony

New York State Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt honored Rebecca Wydysh, chairwoman of the Niagara County Legislature, as the 2023 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” from the 62nd Senate District.

His team said, “Each year, one outstanding woman from each Senate district is honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities.”

The ceremony was held Tuesday evening in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

“It is a privilege to honor my good friend Becky Wydysh in recognition of her outstanding record of public service and giving back to her community,” Ortt said. “As the first woman to ever chair the Niagara County Legislature, her service has truly made an impact on the residents of Niagara County. She has distinguished herself as an outstanding public servant – from coordinating the county’s pandemic response to working to battle the opioid epidemic. It has been a pleasure to work as her partner in government, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

Wydysh was first elected to represent the 2nd District in the Niagara County Legislature in 2015, representing the western end of Wheatfield and a major portion of the Town of Lewiston, including the Village of Lewiston. She was elected chair in January 2020, just before the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She coordinated the county’s response to the pandemic, becoming a familiar face with her daily COVID-19 updates, and collaborating with state and other county leaders on policy matters.

A press release stated, “As an elected official, Becky has been particularly passionate about battling the opioid addiction issues that have devastated so many Niagara County families. Since 2017, she has served as chair of OASIS (the Overdose/Addiction Strategy Implementation Standing Committee), Niagara County’s Opioid Task Force.

“In her full-time career, Becky has spent more than 20 years in the Niagara County Courthouse, including the County Clerk's Office, the District Attorney's Office and, since 2008, as deputy commissioner of jurors for Niagara County with the New York State Unified Court System. She also served as a member of the Mental Health Association in Niagara County Inc. board of directors from 2009-20, serving as president of the board for seven years.”

Wydysh lives in the Village of Lewiston with her husband, Peter, and two children.

“The quality of life in Niagara County has been improved for all residents because of Becky’s dedicated leadership and service, and it was truly an honor to shine a light on all she has done for our communities,” Ortt said.