In
May of 1991, Gloria D'Amico became the first woman to hold the position of
County Clerk for Queens County. Her vast qualifications and extensive
administrative experience coupled with her enthusiasm and strong moral
convictions made her the ideal choice for such an important position.Born in Hartford, Conn., she moved with her family to Astoria during her teenage years and made Astoria her permanent home. A graduate of the Professional School of Fashion Design, Gloria worked in the fashion industry until her marriage in 1949 to the late Leonard D'Amico. At that time she gave up one career to take on another new and exciting position that of a housewife and mother. Selflessly, Gloria put her career and ambitions on hold to stay home and raise her two sons, Louis and Leonard.
As her sons Gloria became involved in various civic organizations, always wanting to help improve the life of her fellow citizens. She became a prominent leader in her church, the Immaculate Conception in Astoria, and held the position of President for several of its organizations, such as the Rosary Society and the Booster Organization. She chaired and was responsible for the success of many church bazaars, helping to raise much-needed funds.
Her interest in the welfare of her sons and the other children in the community also led Gloria to become involved with the local Boy Scouts where she eventually served as Den Mother.
During this period of time, her interest in the local political system led her to be involved with the Taminent Democratic Club. Eventually, she attained the position of Treasurer for the Queens County Democratic Organization, a post she held from 1978 until her appointment as County Clerk.
1970 was a year of significant change in the life of Gloria D'Amico, because she again entered the workforce, where she obtained a position working for the Board of Elections. Those around her immediately recognized her administrative talents and in 1972 she ascended to the position of Chief Clerk of the Board of Elections. Gloria remained as Chief Clerk until her appointment as County Clerk.
During her nearly twenty-year tenure as Chief Clerk for the Board of Elections, the Queens Office was known throughout the five boroughs, as the best managed and most efficient office in the City of New York. It is a fact for which Gloria should be very proud since it was her hard work and dedication that gave the Queens Office that distinct honor. In addition, one of her major accomplishments was the computerization of the Queens County Board of Elections records of one million voters.
When Gloria D'Amico moved on to the County Clerk's Office she maintained her vision for improving all office facilities for the public and employees alike. Despite the budgetary limitations of the County Clerk's Office over the past decade, Gloria managed to implement the complete computerization of the County Clerk's Office. She led the way as the first County to inaugurate offsite microfilming of records. In her other capacity as the Commissioner of Jurors, Gloria relocated the Jury Division into the New Civil Court Building where jurors now enjoy contemporary and more friendly facilities. Most recently, she is monitoring the completion of the total renovation and modernization of the County Clerk's Office much to the appreciation of her staff and the general public.
Gloria D'Amico also brings to the office warmth and charm that is felt throughout. In addition to being a dynamic community leader, Gloria is the heart of her family and often entertains both her sons and her four grandchildren in her home. Gloria's moral convictions and belief in the importance of family are qualities that endear her to family, friends, staff and all who are around her.
