Pam Caraccioli honored as Woman of Distinction, elected to statewide economic development board

Pam Caraccioli, deputy to the SUNY Oswego president for external partnerships and economic development, this spring earned two honors: a regional award for accomplished and community-minded women and a statewide board membership.

State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, named Caraccioli a 2017 Woman of Distinction, an honor that the senator bestows "recognizing outstanding leaders who are achieving success in their careers, devoting time to volunteer causes in their communities and more."

In a separate distinction for Caraccioli, the New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC) elected her a director-at-large. NYSEDC has represented local and regional economic development professionals, as well as colleges, universities and private sector enterprises, for more than 40 years.

Women of Distinction honorees such as Caraccioli, said Ritchie, "have one very important thing in common -- and that's that they have made a difference in the lives of so many people in our region."

Chuck Gijanto nominated Caraccioli for her assistance with Oswego Health, where Gijanto recently stepped down as president and CEO.

"She has been one of the leaders who helped us get through some really tough times and her leadership was invaluable to Oswego Health," Gijanto wrote, making note of Caraccioli's award in a letter to college President Deborah F. Stanley. "On top of that, the work she does in the community, some on behalf of the college and some she just does, makes her a true leader and a Woman of Distinction."

Stanley, who appointed Caraccioli in 2013 for the then-newly created executive position at the college, said, "Pam has been a tremendous asset to the college and the community. Her knowledge of economic development and community relations, skills at networking and developing strategic partnerships, and devotion to furthering success at SUNY Oswego and throughout Central New York make her very deserving of this recognition. 

The New York State Economic Development Council said its members and its board of directors -- now including Caraccioli -- "represent the highest standards of their profession, and have unparalleled experience and expertise working with state and local economic development programs."

The NYSEDC board membership now adds to Caraccioli's long and deep record of engagement at the local, regional and state levels. She has served, over the last 20 years, as an Oswego Health trustee and board chair; a Fulton Savings Bank trustee; and as a board member of Northern Oswego County Health Services, the Port of Oswego Authority, Harbor Festivals, Greater Oswego-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and more.

Caraccioli, a native of Scriba, has a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and a bachelor's degree in law and society from University of California Santa Barbara.