Lorenz to be honored with 2026 Women of Excellence award

CATSKILL―The Greene County Chamber of Commerce has announced that Florence Lorenz, executive director of Community Action of Greene County, has been selected as the 2026 Suzanne Oldakowski Women of Excellence Award recipient.

The award will be presented at the Chamber’s Women in Business Dinner on Wednesday, January 14, at Pegasus Restaurant in Coxsackie.

The Suzanne Oldakowski Women of Excellence Award is the Chamber’s highest recognition for women in leadership. It was established to honor the legacy of Suzanne Oldakowski, a well-respected businesswoman and community leader who championed women in business and dedicated her career to service, mentorship, and strengthening local organizations.

The award is given once a year, always at the Chamber’s January Women in Business Dinner, and celebrates women whose professional accomplishments and community commitment have made a lasting, positive impact on Greene County.

Lorenz has served as the executive director of Community Action of Greene County for 25 years, providing leadership to an agency that delivers support services to families and individuals across the county. Her long-term commitment to equity, dignity, and community wellbeing has shaped the lives of thousands of residents and strengthened the essential safety-net programs on which many rely, the Chamber noted.

“Florence represents everything this award is meant to honor,” said Beth Stewart, president and executive director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce.

“Her leadership has been a source of stability and hope for people facing difficult circumstances. She has built programs, strengthened partnerships, and guided her team with grace and determination. Our community is fortunate to have her at the helm of Community Action,” Stewart said.

The Chamber hosts four Women in Business events each year, but the January dinner is dedicated to presenting this award and recognizing the contributions of a woman whose impact reaches far beyond her organization. The evening will highlight Lorenz’s work and draw attention to the vital services provided by Community Action of Greene County.

Tickets are available through the Greene County Chamber of Commerce website at greenecountychamber.com. Local business leaders, community members, and supporters of Community Action are encouraged to attend.

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