Kimberly Hill Ridley ’94 honored as 2026 RSI Outstanding Alumna

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Kimberly Hill Ridley ’94 honored as 2026 RSI Outstanding Alumna

Kimberly Hill Ridley '94 receiving award

Kimberly Hill Ridley '94 (left) with Mary Christopher

Utica University Public Relations/Journalism alumna Kimberly Hill Ridley ‘94 was honored as RSI’s 2026 Outstanding Alumna at the institute’s annual awards ceremony on April 11.

For more than 25 years, Ridley has been at the forefront of advancing opportunities and improving quality of life for people with disabilities across New York State. She serves as New York’s first Chief Disability Officer, a role created by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 to ensure disability issues are represented at the highest levels of state government. In this position, Ridley advises the governor and executive staff on policies, programs, and budget priorities that affect countless New Yorkers.

Her influence also extends beyond the state level. As a member of the National Council on Disability, Ridley helps shape disability policy nationwide, providing recommendations to the President, Congress, and federal agencies on issues impacting people with disabilities. The Raymond Simon Institute said Ridley embodies what it means to be an outstanding alumna. Throughout her career, she has combined leadership, public service, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others. Her work has opened doors, broken down barriers, and strengthened opportunities for people with disabilities, according to RSI Executive Director Mary Christopher.

“We are proud to recognize Kim not only for her professional achievements, but also for the lasting impact she continues to make through her advocacy, vision, and service,” Christopher said. “She has used her education, expertise, experiences and leadership to make a real difference in people’s lives. Kim represents the values we hope to inspire in all of our graduates, and we are honored to celebrate her achievements.”

When Ridley was 16 years old, a spinal cord injury changed the course of her life. She didn’t realize what could have been only a personal challenge became the catalyst for a lifelong commitment to advocacy and public policy.

During her remarks at the April awards ceremony, Ridley said it was an honor to receive an award in the name of Professor Emeritus Raymond Simon as he set the standard for excellence in communication, education and public service.

“Professor Simon stood for something even more important - the belief that clear, ethical and strategic communication has the power to inform, persuade and create real positive change in the world,” Ridley said. “That belief has guided me through my own journey.”

She also acknowledged retired Utica University Professors Kim Landon and Cecilia Friend, along with Joseph Zappala, for their wisdom and the foundation they laid.

Ridley also serves as New York State’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator and chairs the Most Integrated Services Coordinating Council (MISCC). Through these leadership roles, she has worked to break down barriers between state agencies, foster collaboration, and expand access to services that allow people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

Before joining the governor’s administration, Ridley spent nearly 25 years leading the New York State Assembly’s Task Force and Committee on People with Disabilities. From legislative affairs and public policy to crisis communications and public engagement, she played a key role in shaping disability initiatives throughout the state.

A native of New York’s Mohawk Valley, Ridley graduated from Utica University in 1994 with a degree in Public Relations and Journalism. She now lives in Latham with her husband, Michael, and their children, Michaela and Alex.