St. Lawrence County’s administrator and the president of Gouverneur-based Kinney Drugs are among nine county women named by Rep. Bill Owens’ new Women’s Advisory Committee.

The committee comprises nearly 80 women from communities across New York’s 16,000 square-mile 21st Congressional District served by the Democratic Congressman from Plattsburgh. Members will advise Owens on legislation before Congress and women’s issues in New York.

The initial list of members of the Women’s Advisory Committee from St. Lawrence County includes:

• Bridget-Ann Hart, president, Kinney Drugs

• Alexandra Jacobs, SUNY Potsdam media relations

• Patricia McKeown. executive director, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce

• Donna Seymour, public policy vice president, New York State American Association of University Women

• Karen St. Hillaire, St. Lawrence County Administrator

• Kathleen Stein, president, St. Lawrence County League of Women Voters

• Vicki Templeton-Cornell, executive director, Potsdam College Foundation

• Kathy Tucker, vice president, Service Employees International Union 1199

• Michele Whalen, recording secretary, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence County Central Trades and Labor Council, AFL-CIO

The committee launched earlier this month with an inaugural conference call to discuss Rep. Carolyn Maloney’s (NY-12) proposal for an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution and Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Women’s Equality Act. The group discussed these initiatives in the context of job creation and the link between opportunities for women and broader economic growth. The majority of the group recommended that Owens co-sponsor the legislation.

The committee members are “people from all over” the district, said Seymour, “lots of voices all putting their two cents in. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m pleased to be invited to join the advisory committee,” said Tucker. “I’m glad Bill is bringing these women’s issues to the forefront. I look forward to continuing to work with him on these issues.”

“Through this committee, I am able to gain valuable perspectives from women who are leaders in their communities,” Owens said. “Clearly, supporting women is critical to economic growth in the 21st Congressional District. I look forward to regularly receiving local feedback on a broad range of issues and appreciate the committee members’ willingness to contribute their time and ideas to the discussion.”

Owens says he modeled the committee after the Agricultural Advisory Committee he formed in May as the House debated the Farm Bill.

Both committees will continue adding members and regularly advise Owens on relevant policy issues.