The American Red Cross in New York State celebrates five New York State legislators for their commitment to the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
The Red Cross in New York State is comprised of three regions – Greater New York, Eastern New York, and Western New York. Legislators from each region were recognized as a Legislator of the Year during a ceremony held in Albany, N.Y. on January 28, 2025.
The 2025 Legislators of the Year are:
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblyman William “Bill” Conrad III
State Senator Monica R. Martinez
State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton
State Senator Bill Weber
“We are so grateful for the partnership we share with our legislators across the state. Their commitment to improve the lives of their constituents aligns with the Red Cross mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They each share in our humanitarian spirit, and we are honored to recognize them for their efforts to help build more resilient communities,” said Doreen Thomann-Howe (Greater New York), Nicholas Bond (Western New York), and Kevin Coffey (Eastern New York), regional CEOs of the American Red Cross regions in New York State.
ABOUT THE 2025 LEGISLATORS OF THE YEAR
The Greater New York Chapter (New York City) recognizes State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for her dedication and support of the Red Cross mission. She serves as Chair of the Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee, and is a vocal and impactful advocate for additional resources and support for Red Cross services. Senator Scarcella-Spanton has also worked alongside the Red Cross to build resiliency in her district through participation in the Home Fire Campaign.
"I am so honored to be recognized by the Greater New York Chapter of the American Red Cross. This summer, I had the privilege of working alongside their team to install smoke detectors for families in need throughout my district. This experience shed light on just how important a role the Red Cross plays in protecting our communities and saving lives. Fire safety is a critical issue, and it is so vital that we continue to raise awareness and to ensure every New Yorker understands the importance of being prepared. By working together with the Red Cross, we are building a safer and more resilient future for our families. Thank you to the American Red Cross for your commitment to our communities here in Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. I will continue to advocate for the resources and support needed to strengthen this life-saving work,” said Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.
The Metro NY North Chapter recognizes State Senator Bill Weber for his service and support of our biomedical and preparedness programs. He actively promotes and hosts blood drives in his district and recently organized the Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge, inspiring many first-time donors to roll up their sleeve. Senator Weber has also worked to build resiliency in his community, recording a public service announcement and helping to increase fire safety awareness at his events across his district.
"Being honored as 2025 Legislator of the Year by the American Red Cross in New York is truly an honor,” said Sen. Bill Weber. From the moment I took office, we prioritized fire safety awareness and hosted blood drives to address the critical need for donations. Last year, when I learned that only 3% of Americans donate blood, we decided to spark a friendly competition as an incentive to boost those numbers. I'm proud to say that all five towns in Rockland County participated, and we inspired 64 people to roll up their sleeves and donate blood for the very first time. Over the five-day challenge, the Red Cross collected an impressive 111 units of blood. I look forward to continuing my partnership with the American Red Cross and building on this success to save even more lives in the months and years ahead."
The American Red Cross on Long Island recognizes State Senator Monica R. Martinez for her support of community outreach efforts to build more resilient communities. Senator Martinez was an integral supporter of the inaugural ‘Prepare the Town’ in Brentwood, N.Y., an event series that brings preparedness trainings and resources from the Red Cross and other organization directly to high-risk communities throughout the region. She has also hosted emergency preparedness presentations for her constituents including for the Home Fire Campaign as well as educational courses for adults and children.
"The American Red Cross is a lifeline in times of crisis, offering relief, education, and hope when it’s needed most,” said Sen. Monica Martinez. “From responding to hurricanes, floods, or home fires, or equipping communities with life-saving skills like CPR, this organization stands ready to support those in need. I am humbled to be recognized as a 2025 New York State Legislator of the Year, not because it highlights my efforts, but because it reflects the impact of supporting one of the most respected organizations dedicated to alleviating suffering. Through its work and partnerships with government leaders, the Red Cross brings vital support to neighbors facing unimaginable loss."
The Eastern New York Region recognizes Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon for being a steadfast friend and champion of the Red Cros’s mission and programs. After the devastating tornado in Rome, N.Y. on July 16, she worked with the Red Cross to help build relationships with community organizations and support Red Cross efforts to help the community recover.
“The American Red Cross provides invaluable services to our communities during their most difficult times. In the city of Rome, when faced with major challenges, the Red Cross has always stood beside our community members and residents. I am grateful for this honor and look forward to continuing our work together,” said Asw. Marianne Buttenschon.
The Western New York Region recognizes Assemblyman William “Bill” Conrad III for his commitment to multiple aspects of the Red Cross mission in his community. He has sponsored multiple blood drives and regularly encourages his constituents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives. He has also partnered to organize preparedness events throughout his district, including Hands-Only CPR training and Sound the Alarm free smoke alarm installation event in his district — where 141 free smoke alarms were installed in a single day.
"It's hard to imagine our world without the Red Cross and its extraordinary service, providing care and comfort in our darkest hours, preparing and educating everyday citizens, and making our neighbors and homes safer. In my role as a legislator, it is a distinct privilege to do whatever I can to support the Red Cross. To be included among this year's awardees, and to be recognized by an organization I have always held in such esteem, is truly an honor. That said, our gratitude as a global community belongs to the Red Cross, and the fine people who every day carry out its lifesaving mission," said Asm. Bill Conrad.
ABOUT THE RED CROSS REGIONS IN NEW YORK STATE
THE GREATER NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Long Island, Metro NY North, and Greater New York (New York City). Together, these chapters serve a population of more than 13 million residents of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland counties, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Greenwich, Conn. The 2025 Legislators of the Year from the Greater New York Region are State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, State Senator Bill Weber and State Senator Monica R. Martinez.
THE EASTERN NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Central & Northern New York, Hudson Valley, and Northeastern New York. Together, these chapters serve a population of more than 3.6 million people across 27 counties and more than 51,000 square miles. The 2025 Legislator of the Year from the Eastern New York Region is Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon.
THE WESTERN NEW YORK REGION is comprised of three chapters: Western New York (Buffalo), Greater Rochester, and Southern Tier. The Western New York Region spans 27 counties and is home to Dansville, N.Y., where Red Cross founder Clara Barton established the very first Red Cross chapter in 1881. The Legislator of the Year from the Western New York Region is Assemblyman William “Bill” Conrad III.
In the most recently completed fiscal year, the Red Cross in New York State:
PREVIOUS LEGISLATORS OF THE YEAR
2019: Asm. Richard Gottfried, Asw. Crystal People Stokes, Sen. Thomas O’Mara and Asm. John McDonald
2020: State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, Sen. Timothy Kennedy, Sen. Joseph Robach, Asm. Al Stirpe, Asm. Angelo Santabarbara and Asm. Marcos Crespo
2021: Sen. Joseph Addabbo, Sen. John Brooks, Sen. Patrick Gallivan, Sen. Sue Serino, Asm. Martiza Davila and Asm. Donna Lupardo
2022: Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Asw. Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Asm. Desmond Meeks, Sen. Daphne Jordan, Sen. Anna Kaplan, and State Senate Minority Leader Robert G. Ortt
2023: Sen. Shelley B. Mayer, Sen. James Sanders Jr., Asw. Michelle Hinchey, Asw. Michaelle C. Solages and Assistant Assembly Minority Leader Philip A. Palmesano
2024: Asw. Pamela Hunter, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, Asm. Angelo J. Morinello, Sen. Alexis Weik and Asm. Kenneth Zebrowski
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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