Fanitzi Honored as NY State Woman of Distinction

Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) honored Colonel Christina Fanitzi as his nominee for 2025 NYS Woman of Distinction. This event is an opportunity to celebrate a distinguished woman from each Senate district whose contributions have enriched the quality of life in the community.

Native to the Hudson Valley, Christina graduated from George Washington University in 2004 and immediately entered active duty as a US Army officer. In her over 21 years of service, she has led soldiers in Asia, Europe, and the US, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She recently served as a Battalion Commander where she led intelligence analysis in the Pacific, and currently serves as a West Point Regimental Tactical Officer, leading over 1100 cadets.

Christina has worked as a White House Fellow in the National Economic Council, serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to Director Lawrence Kudlow. She went on to serve as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Her service has merited many awards, including the Bronze Star for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone; the two highest national Alpha Delta Pi awards for overall and philanthropic excellence, the Julia Stell Award and Dux Femina Facti Award; and for her work for as an instructor of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at West Point, the BSL Teaching-in-Excellence Award, as well as recognition as a Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence finalist – an honor given to the Academy’s top three instructors.

Christina’s life was changed when, 16 weeks into her pregnancy, she found out her son would be born with Spina Bifida. His infancy was filled with hospital visits and surgeries, devastating for her family. Turning adversity into action, Christina brought together eight previously unconnected Hudson Valley families, who joined with the Spina Bifida Association of New York to build a Regional Advisory Council and create the Inaugural Mid-Hudson Walk-n-Roll. This was the first local presence of the SBA’s national fundraiser and has raised over $75,000. Christina was recently named New York State Mother of the Year, a well-deserved recognition.

“I am deeply grateful to Christina for her service, sacrifice, and the work she’s done for our community,” said Senator Skoufis. “Her service in the armed forces is vitally important for the safety of our country and its citizens, and her advocacy work on behalf of her son and people with disabilities is truly inspiring. It was an honor to have her in Albany as my incredibly worthy nominee.”