POTSDAM -- Clarkson University Vice President for External Relations Kelly O. Chezum was one of several women nominated for the 2013 Woman of Distinction program by state Sen. Patty Ritchie.

The local nominees were honored at a reception April 11 in Watertown.

“There are many people across the region working together to make the North Country a great place to live, work and learn," said Chezum. "It was an honor to meet and be among the women Senator Ritchie acknowledged last week, as all of us shared a common sense of purpose to make our community a better place.

Since 2009, Chezum has served as Clarkson University's vice president for external relations, leading the school's integrated marketing communications and long-range planning activities.

She is a member of the board of directors of the Adirondack North Country Association, a member of the public participation and Adirondack work groups for the North Country Regional Economic Development Council, and co-chair of the Adirondack Initiative for Wired Work. She is also past president of the Hospice & Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley board of directors.