Dede Scozzafava

Biography

Dierdre “Dede” Scozzafava is a life-long North Country resident. Dede graduated from Gouverneur High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the Boston University School of Management and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Clarkson Graduate School of Management.

Prior to being elected to the New York State Assembly in 1998, Dede dedicated much of her life to community service. She served four years as a Village of Gouverneur Trustee and was Mayor of the Village of Gouverneur from 1993 until her election to the Assembly.

In the Assembly, Scozzafava serves on the committees on Banks; Ethics and Guidance; Rules; and Ways and Means. She is also the ranking minority member on the Energy Committee.

Widely known for her bipartisan approach to governance, Scozzafava frequently challenges her assembly colleagues to rise above politics so that the needs and concerns of New York state residents are fully addressed in the Legislature.

Assemblywoman Scozzafava has been a vocal advocate for Northern New York by holding forums and serving on a number of task forces to address the diverse needs of the community’s citizens. She has served as a member of the Manufacturing Task Force, the Hunting and Fishing Task Force, and has held hearings for the Task Force on Agriculture.

As chairwoman of the SAVE NY Task Force, the assemblywoman traveled throughout New York state to meet with various constituencies to develop and improve ways to protect New York’s women and children from domestic abuse and sexual violence. The task force played an integral role in raising awareness of these issues. A number of its proposals, including civil confinement of sex offenders and stiffer penalties under Megan’s Law, were adopted as legislation.

Scozzafava is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gouverneur, a member of the Gouverneur Business Women, an associate member of the Gouverneur Arts Club, a member of the Thousand Islands Girl Scouts Council and a member of the St. Lawrence County Farm Bureau.

Dede and her husband, Ron McDougall, reside in Gouverneur. They have four children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law and four grandchildren.

Standing Committee Assignments 2009: Banks, Ethics and Guidance, Rules, and Ways and Means, Energy (Ranking Member)

Dede K. Scozzafava, Rep. 23,260; Ind..3,458; Wor. 2666