Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Tom Kennedy as the Citizen of the Month Award recipient for January.
Kennedy, a Monroe resident, was recognized for his volunteerism and dedication to a diverse group of Orange County causes and organizations for the past 29 years.
“Tom prefers to stay in the background, but he deserves this recognition,” Neuhaus said. “He is a true go-to guy and has a reputation for always stepping up when others are in need. Tom has especially advocated for the military, law enforcement and student-athletes. He cares deeply about his community and this shows in his volunteerism and constant community support.”
Kennedy has worked at Dana Distributors in Goshen as General Sales Manager for the past 26 years. Under the direction of owner Fred Dana, Kennedy oversees the company’s sales, marketing and community outreach. For the past 14 years, he has coordinated Dana’s Alert Cab initiative, which offers cab rides free of charge to residents on selected holidays in an effort to reduce the incidents of drunk driving.
Kennedy has long been a supporter of Monroe-Woodbury athletics. He sponsors scholarships for the Crusaders’ football and wrestling teams and volunteered for the Michael J. Finnegan scholarship golf outing, which was considered the largest, privately funded scholarship in the state. It was awarded to Monroe-Woodbury football players displaying excellence in the classroom, on the field and in the community.
Kennedy also sponsors The Richard G. McCoy Foundation scholarship and is a past president of the Pat D’Aliso Foundation, which helps prevent suicide through educational and awareness initiatives. He coached Monroe-Woodbury Pop Warner from 1995-2000 and formerly was the president of Monroe-Woodbury’s Varsity Football Parents Club. He is also the local chairman of Mission 22, a non-profit organization which addresses suicide prevention for veterans. Approximately 22 military veterans commit suicide each day, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
“It’s rewarding to be helpful and supportive and that’s enough for me,” Kennedy said. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. I really love this community and I look forward to getting even more involved. I appreciate all of the support that my wife, Lisa, and my family has given me over the years, and I’m grateful to County Executive Neuhaus for choosing me to receive this award.”
Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information. Nominees must be from Orange County.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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