State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) and his Senate colleagues honored Andover native Heather Perkins as a New York State Senate 2026 “Woman of Distinction” at a ceremony in the Legislative Office Building in Albany May 5.
Perkins currently serves as the Chief Operations Officer at The Arc Allegany-Steuben. She began her career with Allegany Arc in 2003 as a Medicaid Service Coordinator and advanced through various positions, including Behavior Technician, Behavior Specialist, and Director for Behavioral Services, before being named Chief Operations Officer in 2023.
Throughout more than two decades at the agency, she has become widely respected for her leadership and steadfast, compassionate commitment to those she serves, O’Mara said.
“I am grateful to have this opportunity to recognize and pay tribute to Heather’s leadership, compassion, commitment, and countless contributions to the excellence, quality, and strength of The Arc of Allegany-Stueben, as well as to her home community of Andover where she and her family exhibit an admirable and deep sense of citizenship, pride, and support,” O’Mara said. “Her dedication to service in her career and in her many volunteer contributions to her community is a shining example of the devotion and effort that makes all the difference for the success of every local community.
“Heather’s leadership and advocacy have long made a difference in countless lives and truly defines what it means to be a ‘Woman of Distinction.’ I am proud, on behalf of our entire 58th Senate District, to extend this well-deserved and well-earned tribute of appreciation, gratitude, and respect.”
Perkins ‘is all heart’
The Arc Allegany-Steuben is an active member of the Collaborative of NY. The Collaborative is a regional association of not-for-profit NYSARC, Inc. human service agencies serving 9,000 individuals challenged with developmental disabilities and their families in 19 counties. Collaborative agencies individually provide residential and day habitation programs, family support, pre-school education, job training, and job placement. The collaborative has grown to include all Western and Central New York Chapters.
“This recognition is a powerful and well‑deserved tribute to Heather’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Heather exemplifies the very best of what it means to serve with purpose,” said the Arc Allegany-Steuben Executive Director Mike Damiano. “Through her compassion, professionalism, and tireless advocacy, she has helped strengthen our organization and our broader community.
“Her work reflects a deep belief in dignity, inclusion, and opportunity for all, and she leads not by title alone, but by example — uplifting those around her and inspiring positive change every day. We are incredibly grateful for the impact Heather continues to have on The Arc Allegany-Steuben and the people we support.”
The Arc Allegany-Steuben Executive Assistant Rebecca Decker nominated Perkins for this year’s award.
“Heather is all heart, everything she does, she does out of love, with kindness and generosity. Heather is quiet in her quest to make the world a better place,” Decker said. “It’s in every moment Heather spends volunteering. It’s the way Heather builds up people that work for and with her. It’s the million ways Heather and her family give back to our community. I once heard, ‘Empowered Women Empower Women’ and Heather is the epitome of that person.
“Heather is humble in her success and it’s one of her most charming features. Heather somehow misses what the rest of us see, and that is that our world is a more vibrant, welcoming place because she’s in it. Heather inspires, encourages, and wants better for everyone. Better dreams. Better chances. Better opportunities. To be better people. My life is far richer having Heather in it and I am genuinely happy to see her recognized as a ‘Woman of Distinction.’”
Perkins joins 60 honorees across New York state
Perkins was honored as part of the Senate’s 28th Annual “Women of Distinction” celebration in Albany on Tuesday night and joined more than 60 other honorees representing state senatorial districts throughout New York. O’Mara selected Perkins from among many nominations he received this year to represent his 58th Senate District covering all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and the eastern half of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).
She was accompanied to Albany yesterday by her husband, Brian, and their sons, Derek and Rogan.
The Senate’s annual recognition program, which began in March to coincide with Women’s History Month, allows senators statewide to select one honoree from their respective legislative districts to be celebrated for their significant accomplishments, service, and contributions to the quality of life within and beyond their communities.
Perkins also active in Andover community
In addition to her work through The Arc Allegany-Steuben, Perkins is deeply involved in her community. She serves as Vice President of the Andover Chamber of Commerce and holds multiple roles supporting the Andover Fire Department, including Secretary and as an active member. She serves as Secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary where she received Member of the Year awards in 2019 and 2022.
She is also involved in the Andover Sports Boosters, Fourth of July Committee, and previously contributed to the Andover Bicentennial Celebration Committee.
Her volunteer efforts extend to supporting veterans, delivering meals to families in need, participating in community fundraisers, and assisting first responders through the Allegany County Critical Incident Stress Team.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Perkins, Arc Allegany-Steuben leader, honored as Woman of Distinction
Reporting by The Spectator, USA TODAY Network / The Evening Tribune
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