Shirley Coverdale of Aquebogue has been named the 2026 Woman of Distinction for Suffolk County’s First Legislative District, Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski announced Wednesday.
Coverdale is president and CEO of the Family Community Life Center in Riverhead, where she oversees programs serving youth, families, adults and seniors and works to build partnerships aimed at strengthening the community.
She is also leading plans for a mixed-use development on 12.5 acres owned by the First Baptist Church of Riverhead. The proposed project includes a year-round sports and recreation facility, community services and affordable housing for working families and young professionals. The Long Island Regional Planning Council has designated the proposal a Project of Regional Significance.
“Mrs. Coverdale’s leadership and commitment to service have made a profound difference in our community,” Doroski said. “Through her work with the Family Community Life Center and decades of community involvement, she has helped create opportunities and support for countless residents.”
A graduate of Hunter College and Harvard Business School, Coverdale serves on the board of the Long Island Housing Partnership and the Suffolk County Community College Board of Trustees, which she currently serves as chairperson. She was appointed to the college board in 2017 by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Her past public service includes work on the Suffolk County Workforce Development Board and the Riverhead Senior Citizen Advisory Council.
At the First Baptist Church of Riverhead, which her husband Charles Coverdale served as senior pastor for 43 years until his retirement in December, she has led youth enrichment and mentoring efforts, organized the Africa ’93 international youth initiative, supported community health programs including Project C.A.R.E., and helped secure federal funding for residents affected by flooding on Horton Avenue.
The Coverdales have two adult children, 11 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Suffolk County’s Women of Distinction program recognizes women for leadership, service and lasting contributions to their communities.
The First Legislative District encompasses the towns of Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island, as well as portions of northwest Southampton and northeast Brookhaven towns. Doroski, a former Southold Town council member was elected county legislator in November and took office in the county legislature Jan. 1.
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