Three local residents have each been named as a 2003 New York State "Woman of Distinction."

"It is my privilege to honor Leslie Stolzenfels, Cynthia Bianco, and Gay Lenhard as "Women of Distinction," said Senator George Maziarz. "I am proud of the recognition they have earned from their neighbors, colleagues and friends for their achievements in their communities."

Gay Lenhard is supervisor of the Town of Ogden in Monroe County, and has held other town administrative positions in the past. She also served on the Spencerport Board of Education for ten years, including three years as president, and she continues to serve on the Board of Directors of the Spencerport Chamber of Commerce. Having attained a degree in Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Ms. Lenhard later went on as an adult student to earn a psychology degree from SUNY Brockport. She is married with two children and lives in Spencerport.

Leslie Stolzenfels is North Tonawanda's City Treasurer, and has previously been employed with Bank of Buffalo/Bank of New York and First Niagara Savings & Loan. She is also treasurer of the Tonawandas Business and Professional Women, and is involved in many community organizations, such as the YWCA, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, and the North Town's Boys & Girls Club. Stolzenfels resides in North Tonawanda.

Cynthia Bianco is deputy superintendent of the Niagara Falls City School District, as well as chairperson of the Niagara Falls Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners. With academic degrees from Emerson College, SUNY at Buffalo, and Niagara University, as well as certifications as an English teacher, Library Media Specialist, and School District Administrator, Ms. Bianco is well-equipped to continue to play an important role in shaping the lives of young people. She is married with three children and resides in Niagara Falls.

Stolzenfels, Bianco, and Lenhard are to be honored June 3 at an Albany reception, where their photographs and biographies will be displayed in a special public exhibit at the Legislative Office Building.

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.