Honorees Profile
Hon. Alfonse M. D'Amato and Katuria D'Amato
Alfonse and Katuria D'Amato are proud Long Islanders, devoted parents and role models for their commitment to service and efforts to improve the community we share.
Known for his tenacity and ability to get results, Alfonse M. D'Amato served three distinguished terms in the Senate (1980-1998) advocating for the interests and the people of New York State. During his tenure in the US Senate, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affair, on the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Subcommittee on Health Care, the Subcommittee on International Trade and the Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight.
As Chairman of the Banking Committee, Senator D'Amato led the historic effort to restore assets to Holocaust survivors and their heirs, ultimately forcing the Swiss Banks to pay over $1 billion in restitution to survivors. He is recognized for his efforts to raise awareness of, and secure funding for, breast cancer research and as a leader in the fight against illegal drugs through his role as a member of the Senate's Caucus on International Narcotics Control.
His determination, expert negotiation skills, and extensive political and legislative experience are now at play in the private sector. As a founding partner of Park Strategies LLC, D'Amato provides strategic advice and counsel to a wide range of corporate clients throughout the United States and around the world. This transition to the private sector has not diminished his interest in the political landscape, however. His political acumen is in frequent demand both on the air and in the trenches. He can be seen as a regular contributor/commentator for the Fox News Channel. In addition, D'Amato has a weekly show on Bloomberg Radio, and a weekly segment, Wise Guys, on New York 1 with former New York City Mayor Ed Koch. His advice is sought frequently by political candidates; he has helped elect hundreds of local, state and federal candidates to office.
A native of Washington State, Katuria D'Amato, has rapidly become as devoted a Long Islander as her husband. After graduating cum laude from the University of Washington and receiving a law degree from Seattle University, also cum laude, she established her professional life on the East Coast. She moved to New York where she worked with such prominent firms, as Proskauer Rose LLP and Herrick, Feinstein LLP. She also served as a clerk for Federal District Court Judge Loretta Preska. Katuria D'Amato currently serves on the Zoning Board for the Town of Hempstead and is a member of the board of trustees of the American Airpower Museum.
Katuria and Alfonse D'Amato are expecting their second child in October; the baby will join big brother Alfonso Marcello, born in 2007.
The Long Island Children's Museum is proud to recognize Alfonse and Katuria D'Amato for their service to community and children.
