Woman of Distinction: Valerie Muratori

During her 18-year tenure as Executive Director, Muritori has seen the agency grow from nearly 200 clients to currently serving more than 775. Saratoga Bridges works with people with developmental disabilities and their families in order to give a voice to a community that can easily be overlooked. 

Nominated by Sen. Roy McDonald, Muratori said it was an honor to be recognized for her work with Saratoga Bridges because it is something she truly believes is an important service to the community. 

"It was really a pleasant surprise to receive this award. A lot of times in my field we see there is no recognition of the needs of people living with developmental disabilities as members of a community or even as citizens. We are responsible to give these people a chance to have a gratifying life," she said. "I'm honored to be recognized in the same category as women who have done extensive work for cancer research or have worked in education. The Women of Distinction are from such a broad range of contributions." 

The NYS Senate Republican Conference created the Women of Distinction program in 1988 to honor the women in New York who serve as an example for all New Yorkers. The criteria covers  several categories that include exemplifying personal excellence, business achievements, academic and civic fields, making significant discoveries and performing acts of courage, and character traits such as selflessness, integrity, and perseverance. The nominated women have been able to balance their work lives with their home lives, and still have time to contribute to their communities.

Muratori joined Saratoga Bridges in 1983. She attended University of Vermont for her bachelor's degree in social work and received her master's degree in educational psychology from University at Albany. 

"I was like any other recent college graduate who didn't know what I wanted to do with my life," she said. After graduation, she became a teacher's assistant for preschoolers with developmental disabilities. She had previously volunteered to work for a family who cared for a member with a degenerative disease and realized she worked well with the handicapped community. 

"My early career showed me that I was good with the developmentally disabled as well as the management side of business. That led me toward the strategy side of the business and away from the clinical side. I learned the administration side hands-on," she said. 

She added that when she became Executive Director her first budget to work with was $6 million. Today, her budget exceeds $26 million.

"Not only is Saratoga Bridges a quality provider of services for the ones who need it the most, we are one of the larger employers in the area, providing jobs for more than 600 people. That is a large part of the economic engine that keeps communities going. We buy our groceries here and shop here," she said. 

Muratori also serves on the Board of Directors for Saratoga County Empire Zone and the Board of Directors for the New York State Industries. 

In a statement, Sen. Roy McDonald said "It is especially gratifying to have the opportunity to recognize any member of my district for their contribution toward making Saratoga County a great place to work, live and raise a family. This woman has consistently worked to improve her community and those around her."