The voice of a generation: Patchogue’s Jacqueline Routh

Embracing and embodying all that is the #girlboss aesthetic is Patchogue’s leading lady, Jacqueline Routh. 

The under-30 dynamo boasts an impressive résumé with her current role as the director of press relations for Suffolk County Legislature presiding officer Rob Calarco (D-7th District), chairwoman of the popping Alive After Five, an executive member of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce, and formerly a board member of the Patchogue Arts Council.

For a girl born and raised in neighboring Sayville, Routh has become the premier go-to woman for all things Patchogue.

“There was just a peace I felt after moving to Patchogue,” said Routh. “I just finally fit in, and everything just fell into place.”

Routh, who is also mother to a boisterous and inquisitive 7-year-old, Ben, credits her family, partner, and general support system for allowing her to cradle, hone, and own the successes in her life.

Routh takes her role in growing Patchogue as a part of being a parent and making the world the best place it can be for her son, Ben.

“I have incredible support from my parents and my partner. My ex-husband and I work diligently to co-parent effectively,” said Routh. “This has given me the opportunity to take my son to meet people I interact with in my many roles, to concerts, events—he’s very well-rounded from all this exposure and it’s my hope that it shapes him into a socially conscious young man.”

While instinctual to Routh to raise her son with truth about world events and societal concerns in the hopes that one day, he will honor the right actions for those in need of help, this desire to make connections for the betterment of individual and community existence is central to Routh’s drive.

“I thrive off connection,” said Routh. “It’s what I do it all for. Whenever I meet someone, I want to know their story, what needs to be added to make that story complete.”

Known for her event-planning and communication skills, Routh was welcomed to the legislature’s media department after working with other elected officials, including former NYS Sen. Monica Martinez.

Calarco auspiciously said of Routh when starting her position as director of press Relations, “I am excited to utilize her skill set and experience to further our mission of serving and informing the residents of Suffolk County.”

Chairing the Alive After Five events has been the crown jewel to Routh’s ability to coordinate others into fantastic productions. Her 2019 theme of “Pride” brought vendors and attendees from all over the New York area to Patchogue in celebration of the global idea.

Former chair of Alive After Five James Skidmore graciously and enthusiastically handed over the reins to Routh and said, “Letting go of Alive After Five was made much easier by handing it over to someone who has genuine love for her community. She is a great musician, she is detail-oriented, and a great face and leader for the event and the younger generation.”

The characterization of being the voice of a generation in Patchogue was echoed by mayor Paul Pontieri, who cited Routh’s energy and ability to “get things done” as trademarks of her work. “Routh and her generation will take Patchogue to the next station,” he said.

And looking fabulous while juggling all these roles?

Routh swears by the abundance of fashionable outlets in Patchogue for her thrifting needs, which required more attention with the increasingly public life she has been leading.

“Say More Boutique in Patchogue has been a spot for so many great finds,” said Routh. Previously a big Debra Canavan fan, Routh still enjoys the former Sayville couturier’s online shopping.

Preferring to dress more colorfully to satiate her need for artistic expression, Routh is mindful of portraying the requisite seriousness in her roles and has found suit jackets (second-hand, of course) to be a clever way of melding the two sides of her style.

“I love rainbows, unicorns, and it’s an important way to express myself,” said Routh.

David Kennedy, who has served as Patchogue Chamber of Commerce’s executive director for the past eight years, spoke of the transformation that Patchogue has gone through, from retail center in the ‘70s and ‘80s to the downtrodden ‘90s, and the resurgence of art and nightlife in the ‘00s.

“Patchogue is unique in Suffolk that it has always had a an urban, city feel to it,” said Kennedy. “For a while, millennials were moving to cities, where things are walkable, close, with cultural entertainment and diversity in population. Patchogue is a prime place for all those things.”

In describing Patchogue to a would-be homebuyer, Routh said, “It’s community-oriented, it’s got great energy. When Alive After Five happens, it’s an amazing feeling to stand in the middle where the buzz of Patchogue is just so real.”

Kennedy said, “Routh is just so bright and energetic; she loves the community and has worked on so many projects. She’ll be running the town one day and I look forward to that day.”

Despite the glowing endorsements from Patchogue community leaders, Routh remembers her days as an insecure teenager battling mental illness and an eating disorder while feeling disconnected to her town, and looks to that harrowing time in her life for inspiration to help others find a place to call home.

“In all my roles, from parenting to public life, connection and compassion are at the forefront. I want to know what your ambitions are. I want you to know that someone believes in you, and that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Patchogue has been able to fulfill a paucity in my life for, paradoxically, stability and creativity, and that’s what I hope to make it into for other people who need those forces in their life.”