She can add 2025 Eugene W. Salisbury New York State Magistrate of the Year to the list.

Gerace detailed her shock and awe over such an honorable recognition, stating a sense of disbelief toward receiving the award. Gerace has served as a judge in the area since her election in 1992. Earlier in her career she was inspired to go into higher education as well in order to further contribute toward strengthening the justice system through teaching the next generation.

She teaches criminal justice at Jamestown Community College, having begun in 2000 as an adjunct professor before later becoming the director of the criminal justice program on the JCC Cattaraugus campus in Olean in 2005, and eventually also becoming the Dean of Social Sciences and the Business Division in 2012. Gerace has also served as the Secretary/Treasurer in the Chautauqua County Magistrate Association, a role which she noted having assisted with networking and growing personal relationships, which has helped her have greater sustainability in her industry.

On Sept. 14, Gerace was presented the 2025 Eugene W. Salisbury New York State Magistrate of the Year award, with Gerace delivering a speech full of emotion and gratitude toward receiving such recognition. In her speech she stated her roles within impactful initiatives such as her heavy role in coordination of, and continued participation in, the Centralized Arraignment Part. CAP involved the creation of a dedicated court to oversee arraignment hearings, which allows for a far faster process that guarantees representation is present at arraignment for those in need of it. The creation was the first CAP court to begin the state’s Eighth Judicial District was a significant milestone for Gerace, who said her continued dedication to implementing technological updates and ensuring efficiency.

Gerace holding the plaque from the NYSMA.

Gerace said the wisdom and integrity of the late Justice Salisbury, with his shared idea that education is the foundation of the future, has been an inspiration during her career. Gerace even went on to note having met Salisbury at his summer home on the lake long ago, shortly after she was elected to her judicial position. Salisbury served as a justice for the village of Blasdell for 50 years and served as the president of the NYSMA, with the award being renamed to honor him following his retirement in 2001.

“So, to receive this award — one that bears the name of a judge who was so passionate about education and the law — is incredibly meaningful. I view it not just as recognition of my judicial service, but as a full-circle moment. It honors a path that began in the courtroom, continues in the classroom, and has always been guided by the belief that education is the foundation of justice,” Gerace during her speech.

Gerace also went on to thank Magistrate President Thomas Sheeran, Justice James Murphy, Justice Graber, Justice Hustead, Justice Young, and colleagues and family who Gerace claimed have been crucial in offering her guidance and support along the difficult journeys which made it possible for her to receive this award.

For more information on the NYS Magistrate Association or the Eugene W. Salisbury award visit nysma.net.

A congratulatory proclamation from the office of State Sen. George Borello.

Gerace with Justice Barlet and past winners of the award.

Judge Marilyn Gerace is pictured with immediate family at an awards ceremony held recently. Gerace was named the 2025 Eugene W. Salisbury New York State Magistrate of the Year.