SAC Buffalo Honored at 2009 Annual New York State Women of Excellence Award Celebration

On Tuesday, March 24, 2009, Governor David A. Paterson and First Lady Michelle Paige Patterson honored Buffalo FBI Special Agent in Charge Laurie J. Bennett, along with six other extraordinary women at the 2009 Annual New York State Women of Excellence Award Celebration. The award ceremony was held in the Red Room at the State Capitol in Albany, NY. The Governor and First Lady recognized these distinguished women in the areas of business, health, justice, law enforcement, community service, and education during the sixth annual Women of Excellence Awards Celebration.

After years of recognizing women for distinguished service to the Harlem community, in 2008 the award was expanded state-wide. The Governor’s Office sought outstanding candidates who demonstrated selfless service to others. The honorees were chosen based on criteria including continued commitment to community service and volunteerism with a focus on solving community-based problems. Recipients of this prestigious award represent some of the most influential and successful women in the history of the great State of New York.

This year’s law enforcement honoree was Laurie J. Bennett, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-Buffalo Division. In the course of her career, Ms. Bennett has investigated international terrorism, drug trafficking, violent crimes and organized crime. She has served as Section Chief in the Communication Exploitation Section of the Counterterrorism Division, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Portland Field Office and as Evidence Response Team Leader was deployed to Saudi Arabia following the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing. In March 2006, Director Robert S. Mueller promoted Ms. Bennett to the position of Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Division.

Congress expanded the commemoration of Women’s History Month in 1987, New Yorkers and all Americans have formally honored the achievements of women for the entire month of March. Through this award, it serves as a reminder of the tremendous contributions women have made to our society, as well as our ultimate objective of full equality for all women.