Hinchey Honors Humanitarian Florence Lorenz with State Senate’s 2026 Woman of Distinction Award
May 26, 2026
Senator Michelle Hinchey and Florence Lorenz at the NYS Senate Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony in Albany on May 5, 2026.
ALBANY, NY – Senator Michelle Hinchey presented the New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction Award to Florence Lorenz, honoring the Community Action of Greene County Executive Director for her exemplary service to the people of Greene County. The annual Woman of Distinction award is one of the highest legislative honors a State Senator can bestow and is dedicated to celebrating individuals of exceptional character who have made lasting contributions to their communities.
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Florence Lorenz is a true humanitarian whose influence in Greene County over the past 25 years is immeasurable, and because of her caring leadership, there are thousands of people living safer, healthier, and more secure lives. When confronted with the plight of others, many may take a step back, but Florence always steps forward to help because she sees the humanity in every person and chooses to meet them with both strength and grace. In so doing, she has fostered a culture of dignity and respect for all who need a supportive hand. I’m incredibly proud to select Florence as my honoree for the Senate’s Woman of Distinction, a reflection not only of her achievements at the helm of Community Action of Greene County, but the boundless compassion that defines her character.”
Florence Lorenz said, "I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this recognition, and to have been included in such a diverse and accomplished group of women as those who were honored alongside me. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my incredible staff and board of directors- those dedicated to the work we do here at Community Action. Of course, I am most appreciative of the ongoing support that Senator Hinchey has provided as well; to me, this agency, and our community at large."
Florence Lorenz is a lifelong resident of Greene County who has spent her career serving those who lack some of life’s most basic necessities, including food, shelter, and safety. As Executive Director of Community Action of Greene County for the past quarter-century, Florence has dedicated herself to alleviating suffering and helping her neighbors achieve their full potential. Under her skilled leadership, Community Action offers life-saving support to address housing instability and food insecurity, energy assistance and emergency services, and support for victims of domestic violence. Beyond her efforts at Community Action, Florence also works to strengthen the larger community. She is Vice Chair of the Greene County Rural Health Network, which advances public health efforts, and a member of the Columbia-Greene Workforce Development Board, contributing to regional workforce strategy. Florence is a community leader dedicated to serving those most in need, and her work across human services, public health, and workforce development has fundamentally improved the lives of thousands of Greene County residents.
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Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Florence Lorenz is a true humanitarian whose influence in Greene County over the past 25 years is immeasurable, and because of her caring leadership, there are thousands of people living safer, healthier, and more secure lives. When confronted with the plight of others, many may take a step back, but Florence always steps forward to help because she sees the humanity in every person and chooses to meet them with both strength and grace. In so doing, she has fostered a culture of dignity and respect for all who need a supportive hand. I’m incredibly proud to select Florence as my honoree for the Senate’s Woman of Distinction, a reflection not only of her achievements at the helm of Community Action of Greene County, but the boundless compassion that defines her character.”
Florence Lorenz said, "I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this recognition, and to have been included in such a diverse and accomplished group of women as those who were honored alongside me. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge my incredible staff and board of directors- those dedicated to the work we do here at Community Action. Of course, I am most appreciative of the ongoing support that Senator Hinchey has provided as well; to me, this agency, and our community at large."
Florence Lorenz is a lifelong resident of Greene County who has spent her career serving those who lack some of life’s most basic necessities, including food, shelter, and safety. As Executive Director of Community Action of Greene County for the past quarter-century, Florence has dedicated herself to alleviating suffering and helping her neighbors achieve their full potential. Under her skilled leadership, Community Action offers life-saving support to address housing instability and food insecurity, energy assistance and emergency services, and support for victims of domestic violence. Beyond her efforts at Community Action, Florence also works to strengthen the larger community. She is Vice Chair of the Greene County Rural Health Network, which advances public health efforts, and a member of the Columbia-Greene Workforce Development Board, contributing to regional workforce strategy. Florence is a community leader dedicated to serving those most in need, and her work across human services, public health, and workforce development has fundamentally improved the lives of thousands of Greene County residents.
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