Marcia B. Tuohey

George D. Maziarz

May 13, 2013

Marcia B. Tuohey

Award: HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORK

Year: 2013

Marcia B. Tuohey, a lifelong Medina resident, has blazed a trail in business and politics for the women of Orleans County. She exemplifies someone who has created a lasting legacy of dedicated service to the public and the community in which she lives.

Ms. Tuohey enjoyed an active business career in Medina for 30 years as the co-owner and operator of a nursing home, motel and restaurant, mobile home park, and rental properties. Her success can be attributed to a great aptitude for recognizing and meeting the needs of the community, and possessing a strong work ethic. 

Ms. Tuohey’s determination carried over into her notable career in public service. She was elected as a trustee in Medina in 1979, and in 1982 she became the village’s first female mayor. In 1990, she became Orleans County’s first female county legislator, and served as Chair of the Legislature from 1996 until 2006. Many local projects would not have come to fruition without her forceful advocacy and close supervision, including renovations to the historic courthouse and legislature buildings, an addition to the county nursing home, and the creation of a new public safety center and fire training facility. During her time in office, Ms. Tuohey also helped lay the groundwork for the expansion of Genesee Community College in Orleans County and the construction of an ethanol plant in the Town of Shelby. 

Ms. Tuohey’s passion for serving the public has not subsided over the years, and today she takes great pride in serving as Orleans County’s representative on the board of directors of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation.