The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (September 16, 2015) – The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development has named Dr. Gerard Galarneau, Catskill Regional Medical Center’s CEO and Chief Medical Officer, the 2015 Walter A. Rhulen Award recipient. The Partnership will also recognize Roberta Byron-Lockwood, President of the Sullivan County Visitors Association, and Cathy Paty, President of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, as Distinguished Service Award winners. All will be honored at The Partnership’s annual meeting on October 8 at The Sullivan in Rock Hill.

“Gerry has been chosen as the winner of this year’s Rhulen Award for his dedication to the Partnership, his steadfast work to elevate Catskill Regional Medical Center’s services, environment, and standing in the Hudson Valley, and his consistent volunteer activities,” said Jacob Billig, Partnership Board Chairman. “Both Roberta and Cathy have been recognized for their teamwork and extraordinary effort under the Sullivan United banner.”

The annual Rhulen Award recognizes an individual for business excellence, community commitment, and service to humanity. Dr. Galarneau, a Partnership Board Director, will receive the award in recognition of his passion and tireless efforts toward the continued advancement of Catskill Regional Medical Center as part of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System. Catskill Regional Medical Center is a critical component of economic development in Sullivan County. Dr. Galarneau, who is Board-certified in Urology, has served in leadership positions at Orange Regional Medical Center since 2002. He was the Vice-Chair of the Department of Urology from 2002 through 2004, and Chairman from 2005 through 2006. Dr. Galarneau was the Chairman of Staff from 2007 through 2008, and has held the position of Chief of Staff since January 2009.

Dr. Galarneau graduated with a B.S. in Biology from SUNY Binghamton, received his medical degree from New York Medical College, and held residencies in General Surgery and Urology at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a Master’s degree in Medical Management, and is an active member of the American Urological Association and the Medical Society of Orange and Sullivan County.

As the President/CEO of the SCVA, Ms. Byron-Lockwood uses her 30 years of experience and knowledge of tourism, marketing, advertising, and administration to expand marketing opportunities, explore new markets, and reach the maximum market share for Sullivan County Catskills tourism, increasing revenue to businesses and the quality of life to its residents. The SCVA has seen a 2.5 percent increase year over year in visitor expenditures, resulting in approximately $372 million in overall traveler expenditures, $24.6 million in local generated taxes, $20.3 million in taxes generated for New York State, and $146 million in tourism labor income.

As President of the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Paty is an integral part of the Sullivan United economic development team. The Chamber is responsible for business retention efforts, provides a myriad of networking opportunities, and is the voice for small business in Sullivan County.

Both entities, guided by Ms. Byron-Lockwood and Ms. Paty, were critical partners in Sullivan United during the “proposition 1” voting effort and, subsequently, the competition for a gaming license in Sullivan County. Together they work closely with the Sullivan County Partnership and the Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency to promote and support business in Sullivan County.