Senator Jeremy Zellner Honors Lisa M. Chimera as New York State Senate “Women of Distinction” Recipient During Teacher Appreciation Week
State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner honored Lisa M. Chimera, Deputy County Executive of Erie County, as a New York State Senate Women of Distinction recipient during a ceremony held last night in Albany, recognizing her lifelong commitment to education, public service, and community leadership during Teacher Appreciation Week.
State Senator Jeremy J. Zellner said, “Lisa M. Chimera represents the very best of public service. Her decades long commitment as an educator, local elected official, and county leader have had a lasting impact on families and communities across Erie County. From the classroom to county government, her work has consistently focused on strengthening public systems, expanding access to critical services, and improving quality of life. It is an honor to recognize her as a Women of Distinction recipient during Teacher Appreciation Week.”
Erie County Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, “To receive this distinction is a true honor, and to be recognized alongside 62 other groundbreaking and phenomenal women leaders from across New York State makes it even more meaningful. As a former special education teacher, Tonawanda Town Board member, Erie County Legislator, and now Deputy County Executive, I am proud of a career rooted in public service, advocacy, and a commitment to strengthening our communities and supporting families across Erie County. From advancing initiatives like Live Well Erie and the Erie County Food Policy Council to working collaboratively on efforts that improve mental health services, including the Crisis to Care Initiative, and expand access to critical resources, my work has remained focused on supporting older adults, working families, and children. Thank you to State Senator Jeremy Zellner for this recognition and for his continued leadership in Albany.”
Chimera’s recognition highlights her 34-year career as a special education teacher in the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District, where she helped advance inclusive instructional practices and co-teaching models. She later served 14 years on the Tonawanda Town Boar becoming the first female Democrat elected in town history and as an Erie County Legislator, where she chaired the Health and Human Services Committee and the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Committee.
In county leadership, Chimera has focused on expanding mental health and public health initiatives, including the Erie Path Smartphone App, the SMART Collaborative, Crisis to Care efforts, and Live Well Erie.
Chimera earned degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Reading from Buffalo State University and retired from teaching in 2021.
The Women of Distinction program honors exceptional women across New York State whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on their communities.