Orange County, N.Y. (Oct. 22, 2024) – The Orange County Chamber of Commerce today announced the winners of its inaugural professional awards, “5 Under 50; The Shooting Stars!” recognizing professionals in a range of fields.
The winners are:
- Michael J. Horodyski, the president and chief executive officer of Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan in Montgomery, N.Y. Horodyski began his career working on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange but soon decided to serve his community working in banks in the greater Hudson Valley, which he has done for the past 25 years. He joined Wallkill Valley Federal Savings and Loan as an executive vice president in July 2009 and has served as its president and chief executive officer since January 2011. Horodyski also serves his community as a board member for several industry and charitable organizations.
- Ryan F. Dannemann, commander of the 105th Airlift Wing at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. Col. Dannemann is responsible for the combat readiness of assigned units. He has flown combat missions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn and took part in humanitarian response missions include the strategic airlift of first responders and recovery operations capabilities after natural disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina, Harvey, Irma and Maria, and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
- Nicholas Shannon, executive director of the Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall Health System Foundation in Newburgh, N.Y. Shannon is responsible for fundraising and development at Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall. He began his healthcare career at the former Saint Francis Hospital Healthcare Foundation in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and later served as executive director of The Chamber Foundation, Inc., the nonprofit partner of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, he serves as president of the Mount Saint Mary College Alumni Association and as a board member for The New Deal Creative Arts Center.
- Hasina Grice, co-owner and pastry chef of Perfect Sweets, a mobile dessert cart based in Washingtonville, N.Y. Grice received her training from the Culinary Institute of America’s Associate of Occupational Studies Baking and Pastry Arts Program, helping her to fulfill a long-held dream to run a storefront bakery café and serve the public unforgettable culinary creations. She and her husband Anthony purchased the mobile dessert cart in 2023 and expanded their customer base and reach with the goal of bringing people of all ages, races and languages together through food.
- Frank Volpe, owner of Brothers of the Leaf Cigar Lounge and Social Club and Live Free Health and Fitness, both in New Windsor, N.Y. Volpe and his wife Kimberly opened what is now Live Free Health & Fitness in 2011. A New Windsor native and former New Windsor police officer and PBA president, Volpe, with his wife, opened Brothers of the Leaf Inc. earlier this year. It is a cigar lounge and social club for active and retired first responders, members of the armed forces and family and friends.
Honorees were chosen for having demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to their respective fields. They will be celebrated on Nov. 7, 2024, at Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in Chester, N.Y.
“These honorees are stellar examples of the wide range of innovative businesses and professional services that drive Orange County, N.Y.’s thriving economy,” said Heather Bell-Meyer, president and chief executive officer of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. “The ceremony on Nov. 7 will be a celebration of these outstanding professionals and their invaluable contributions to enhancing Orange County’s status as the premier destination to live and work in New York State.”
Donna Cornell, the 2023 Champion of the Chamber and a nationally recognized staffing professional, as well as a two-time author, led the committee overseeing the selection process. She was joined by Chamber Champions Josh Sommers, president and chief executive officer of Focus Media in Goshen, N.Y., Alan Seidman, executive director of the Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson Valley, based in Newburgh, N.Y.; and James P. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Advance Testing Company in Campbell Hall, N.Y.
Chamber Champions are those members recognized for advocating for the chamber, its members and the business community.
“We are excited to announce the recipients of our 5 Under 50 awards!” said Nicole Tompkins, chairwoman of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Our distinguished panel of judges upheld the highest standards of excellence and integrity in selecting these outstanding business leaders. Each recipient has demonstrated remarkable achievements and a commitment to making a positive impact in Orange County. Congratulations to our honorees for their hard work and dedication! We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and inspiring others in our community.”
For more information about “5 Under 50; The Shooting Stars!” tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, please visit Orangeny.com or contact Tamara A. Lajara, Vice President, at tamaral@orangeny.com.
About the Orange County Chamber of Commerce
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting economic growth and prosperity in Orange County, New York. Through advocacy, networking, and community engagement, the Chamber serves as a catalyst for business success and a champion for the local business community.
