Christine Cravatta, Executive Director of Human Resources for the Newark Central School District was one of 42 Monroe County women to be recognized as a 2025 Woman of Distinction on May 1, 2025, by New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson in Rochester.
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The awards recognize the work and accomplishments of women in various fields, including business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community/civic affairs, health care, government and volunteerism.
While Bronson’s work related to NYS Budget negotiations in Albany prevented him attending the early evening celebratory event at the Workers United Union Hall on East Avenue in Rochester, the 138th District Assemblymember delivered a congratulatory video message that was shown to the honorees and their guests.
Bronson asked family members and other guests to join him in spotlighting and congratulating the 42 inspirational women of Monroe County who have positively impacted the lives of others and continue to be exemplary members of their community.
“The nominations were made by people in our community, highlighting their hard work, kindness, compassion, and joy. . .You are all creating opportunities that make others live their dreams . . . your work is amazing,’’ Bronson said in the video message.
Joining in the celebratory event, were both her two sons and her husband Rich Cravatta, an art teacher with the Churchville-Chili Central School District.
Cravatta has been the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Newark Central School District since July 2023. She holds Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP) certification and Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE) certification in addition to NYSED School District Leader Certification.
Before joining Newark, Christine served as the W-FL BOCES HR Coordinator of Employee Engagement for 5 years. A National Board-Certified Teacher, Christine taught English from October 2002 until March 2018 at both the Palmyra-Macedon High School and Middle School. Additionally, she served on the Palmyra Macedon Faculty Association/NYSUT Executive Committee for 11 years.
Cravatta earned her bachelor’s degree in English education from Cedarville University; her master’s degree in Reading from SUNY Albany; and received a Designated Leader Scholarship to earn her Certificate of Advanced Studies in School District and School Building Leadership from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education.
She was nominated for the 2025 Women of Distinction award by Dr. Marla Iverson, Director of the Leadership and Organizational Development Center for Professional Development & Education Reform at the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester.
In presenting Cravatta’s award, Amelia Johnson, Coordinator of Legislative and Community Affairs and Mary McCelland, Director of Communications from Bronson’s Rochester office shared:
“Christine is a National Board-Certified Teacher who has parlayed her experience into administration, now acting as Executive Director of Human Resources for the Newark Central School District. The strategic processes, systems and hiring best practices she developed have established better working conditions. Christine previously worked as an Employee Engagement Coordinator with Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES, traveling throughout the Finger Lakes to provide mentorship, workshops and continuing education partnerships, as well as confronting the challenges in the teaching profession.”
Cravatta shares, “The 2025 Women of Distinction Ceremony was such an encouraging event. I am proud to stand with this group of trailblazing women leaders making a difference in our communities”.
NCSD Superintendent Susan Hasenauer congratulated Cravatta on her award.
“I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award! Christine works hard every day to improve our practices in our HR office and contributes her expertise and knowledge of HR practices across the region,” Hasenauer said. “She always thinks through a lens of how we can best support our staff and students each and every day.”