Sen. Patty Ritchie has been elected as one of 14 leaders of the legislature’s “Women’s Caucus.”

Sen. Ritchie was elected a “Delegate-at-Large” of the group, which seeks to improve the participation of women in government, supporting issues affecting women across the state and providing a network of support for women serving in State Legislature.

“Year after year, we’re seeing more and more women elected to public office and serving in leadership positions in communities across New York State,” said Senator Ritchie, who is the first women to be elected to the Senate form the 48th District, which includes Jefferson, Oswego and St. Lawrence Counties.

“I’m honored to be elected to serve as an officer of the Legislative Women’s Caucus and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to help advocate for positive changes that create new—and better—opportunities for women.”

The post is the latest legislative leadership role for the Senator, who recently was named Deputy Majority Leader for Senate and Assembly Relations.

The Legislative Women’s Caucus is Chaired by Binghamton-area Assemblywomen Donna Lupardo. There are currently 49 women serving in both houses of the Legislature.