Dr. Marty Gates Receives Pete Macky Advocacy Award

At Transitions' Annual Auction on June 1, 2017, former Executive Director Dr. Margaret "Marty" Gates was presented the Pete Macky Advocacy Award by Judge Michael Hudock and Nancy Macky.

Pete Macky inspired us to create this award. Last year, as his retirement approached, we were excited to present this award to Pete who was preparing to travel extensively and enjoy his retirement. With some of his free time, Pete was a mentor to Elizabeth deCastro, Esq. and Jamie Grobes, the staff of our newly formed Transitions Legal Center (TLC).  Pete helped us establish this Center and, as always, left his indelible mark, complete with his remarkable knowledge and humility.  Pete richly deserved this award for his amazing dedication to the rights of victims in the Susquehanna Valley.  He was the best of his time and will remain with us forever through his legacy of caring and commitment to the underserved among us.  As an attorney with North Penn Legal Services, Pete was the epitome of a victim advocate, forging the definition of Protection from Abuse laws from their inception in the state of Pennsylvania.  Pete’s family and the community tragically lost Pete shortly after his retirement and Transitions is committed to continuing his legacy of advocacy by naming this award the Pete Macky Advocacy Award. We were deeply honored to have been able to say thank you to him for his passion, his humor, and his intellect.

 Dr. Margaret “Marty” Gates’ long history of advocacy and leadership, both in the Susquehanna Valley and throughout the state of Pennsylvania, embody the commitment and dedication for victims that Pete Macky exemplified during his career.  For many years, Marty was the face of Susquehanna Valley Women in Transitions (SVWIT), creating a strong recognition for the importance of the organization to the health and safety of the community.  In 2008, SVWIT changed its name to Transitions.

Marty’s relationship with SVWIT began in 1984. She maintained a private practice as a Feminist Counselor for eleven years while volunteering at SVWIT as the Sexual Assault Coordinator.  For sixteen years, Marty served as the  Executive Director of the agency.  During that time, Marty grew the organization from a three-person, $50,000 agency to one with 21 employees and an annual budget of over $850,000.

From left to right, Nancy Macky, Marty Gates, Susan Mathias, and Judge Michael Hudock.  Credit to The Daily Item for photo.

Marty’s service to victims was not limited to Transitions’ three-county service area.  She provided leadership at the PA Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV).  After  leaving Transitions, Marty was appointed Executive Director of Sullivan County Victim Services and worked to end gender-based violence in the northern part of the state until her retirement last year. 

Marty’s leadership has been recognized on the floor of the PA State Legislature.  She served as an Advisor on Women’s Issues to Congressman Chris Carney from 2008-2010.  She also received the highly esteemed Athena Award by the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.  For over thirty years, Marty’s unwavering support of victims of domestic violence and sexual assault has inspired and driven the staff and volunteers of Transitions.