Judge Lea Ruskin, District Court of Nassau County, was honored as a New York State Senate 2004 "Woman of Distinction" at a ceremony held on Tuesday, June 8 at the Empire State Plaza in Albany.

Marcellino nominated Judge Ruskin for this distinguished honor in recognition of her outstanding professional, civic and philanthropic endeavors. "Judge Ruskin's longstanding contributions to the community and her profession are exceptional," said Marcellino. "Even before she ascended to the bench, Judge Ruskin was integrally involved in a host of community and charitable activities. I am proud to have nominated this outstanding woman for this honor."

Judge Ruskin's professional credentials include several years in private law practice, service as an Assistant District Attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney's office, four years as an administrative law judge in the New York City Department of Transportation, Parking Violations Bureau and eight years as a distinguished jurist on the District Court.

Examples of Judge Ruskin's involvement with law, community and philanthropic-related activities are almost too numerous to mention. In addition to serving as past president and board member of the Nassau County Women's Bar Association, Ruskin is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, served as a delegate to the New York State Women's Bar Association. She is a member of the National Association of Women Judges, served as Chair of the Advisory Board of the First District Court Children's Drop-In Center, as well as the Board of Directors of the Nassau Legal Aid Society. She continues to serve as a Nassau County High School Trial Competition Judge and on the Nassau County Judicial Committee on Women in the Courts.

In addition, Ruskin served on the Nassau Council of the Health Systems Agency, as president of the North Hempstead American Cancer Society, as vice president of the Gates Ridge Civic Association of Woodbury, as a member of Syosset's Concern About Its Neighborhood, as a supervisor for the Garden City Teenage Drug Counseling Program and as a director and board member for the Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women. Ruskin served on the school board of the Syosset Central School District and is involved in the Kiwanians, Mineola Courthouse Chapter.

Her expertise is sought after by the media; she has served as on-air legal commentator for several Long Island radio and talk shows, and has provided legal commentary on high-profile cases such as the Colin Ferguson and OJ Simpson trials.

Judge Ruskin graduated from Hofstra University School of Law, J.D. and completed her undergraduate work at Beaver College in Pennsylvania, where she attended on a full, four-year scholarship, achieving Dean's List status all four years. Judge Ruskin is the wife of noted attorney Melvyn B. Ruskin of Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., one of the largest and most respected law firms on Long Island. In addition, Judge Ruskin is the mother of two children, Matthew and Rachel, and has two grandchildren, Talia and Arielle.

Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset) also announced that in addition to Lea Ruskin, Barbara Ernst Prey of Oyster Bay and Katherine Heaviside of Huntington were also named Women of Distinction. Their photographs and biographies are on display in a special public exhibit at the Legislative Office Building.

The exhibit and reception are arranged to celebrate the many women who have contributed to New York's political, social and economic development.

The Women of Distinction program was inaugurated in 1998. The honorees were selected for their outstanding service and significant contribution to our community.

"Barbara, Katherine and Lea are success stories that we can proudly share with our daughters, sisters and neighbors and who will serve as examples for achievement and excellence for our entire community. Their names now join those of other women whose accomplishments, sacrifices and deeds are deserving of a special honor," said Marcellino.