Herkimer College Remains in the Heart of a Health Care Hero

Kathy McCarthy '92 has dedicated her career to helping others.  

This month she will be recognized for this tireless commitment as one of Rochester Business Journal's Health Care Heroes for her role at Heritage Christian Services in the “Special Needs Advocate” category. 

McCarthy has worked for Heritage, a Rochester-based non-profit, serving adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, for 28 years. While her tenure already speaks to her dedication, it is her inspiring leadership through adversity that has earned her this accolade. 

McCarthy was promoted to the role of director of residential services for Heritage in February of 2020, immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. That's when health care leaders like McCarthy had to pivot and carry on through uncertainty.  While challenging, especially navigating a new role, McCarthy now says she sees a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of COVID-19. And through it all, she still loves her work. 

"I love to see people grow," McCarthy explains. "I love building relationships and the complexities of the work. It changes daily." 

Her admiration for health and human services, she said, is rooted in her experience at Herkimer County Community College. 

"(Herkimer College) was the best two years of my life," McCarthy says. "It shaped me, and I knew that what I wanted to do was in the health field. Having that experience at Herkimer prepared me for state school. It was a very positive college experience which led me to go on and learn. I mean that sincerely, it was a growing experience." 

McCarthy earned her associate degree in science from Herkimer College and went on to obtain her bachelor's degree in science from SUNY Brockport. 

McCarthy will be honored as a Health Care Hero, March 24 at 1 p.m. at an online celebration. 

The Rochester Business Journal created Health Care Heroes to recognize excellence, promote innovation and honor the efforts of organizations and individuals making a significant impact on the quality of health care in the Rochester area. 

Health Care Heroes are presented in the following categories: Advanced Practice Provider, COVID-19 Heroes, Health Care Innovation, Health Care Staff, Lifetime Achievement, Management, Medical Professional, Mental Health, Nurse, Physician, Senior Care, Special Needs Advocate and Volunteer. 

"This year's Health Care Heroes go above and beyond to improve the quality of health care to meet the needs of their patients. Their leadership, innovation and service to the community are exemplary, particularly during these challenging times," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of the Rochester Business Journal. "They truly are heroes in our community, and we at the Rochester Business Journal are pleased to honor them." 

Access to the celebration is limited to sponsors.  Honorees will be profiled in a special section that will be included in the March 25 issue of the Rochester Business Journal and will be available online at rbj.net. 

Story by Kari Procopio, Herkimer College assistant director of public relations. Contact her at procopikr@herkimer.edu.