State's Energy Committee to partner with Josh Fox, an Oscar-nominated film director, to educate the public and advocate a ban on natural gas drilling within New York City's watershed. Honors Hyer-Spencer was awarded the Verrazano Narrows award from the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation for her work promoting economic development, where she drafted and sponsored legislation to create the first ever "Green Zone" to attract and encourage environmentally green businesses to Staten Island. She was also recognized for her efforts to motivate, mentor, and inspire Staten Island business women by founding and funding the Women's Leadership Council. Her local awards also include recognition by the Alzheimer's Foundation of Staten Island for her commitment and advocacy on behalf of those combating the brain disorder. Community service Hyer-Spencer was chosen by the American Cancer Society to present a public service announcement highlighting her father's battle with cancer and struggle with maintaining health insurance. She was recognized for her commitment to the Dress for Success campaign where she sponsored a yearly drive to benefit women re-entering the work force. Post-Assembly career In September 2011, Hyer-Spencer was hired by the New York State Education Department as a federal legislative liaison. A former state employee alleged that Sheldon Silver concocted a scheme to fire her from her job so that Hyer-Spencer could be hired. Personal life During her Assembly tenure, Hyer-Spencer resided in Staten Island with her husband, Douglas Spencer. As of 2009, she had run in three New York City Marathons, with a best time of 4 hours and 20 minutes. In a Staten Island Advance interview, she stated she runs 5 days a week, and over 25 hours a week. While in the State Assembly, she was noted for commuting to Albany via motorcycle, riding a Yamaha V-Star with the custom license plate JANELE. In court papers unsealed during the sentencing phase of the criminal trial of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, the federal government stated that it had evidence that Silver had engaged in extramarital affairs with two people; the names were redacted, but other sources identified one of the people as Hyer-Spencer. Hyer-Spencer's attorney denied the allegations. Hyer-Spencer reportedly flaunted her relationship with Silver and bragged about it to her Assembly colleagues. References External links 1964 births Living people American lawyers CUNY School of Law alumni Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly People from Lake Zurich, Illinois Women