Senator Kathy Marchione proudly announces Cindy Doring Hollowood as her 2016 “Woman of Distinction” for 43rd Senate District

May 10, 2016

New York State Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon) is pictured above (left) standing with Cindy Hollowood (right), who Senator Marchione announced as her 2016 New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction” for the 43rd Senate District. The New York State Senate’s Woman of Distinction Program showcases outstanding women living and working in New York State whose personal and professional contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

Albany, NY – Senator Kathy Marchione (R,C,I-Halfmoon), Chair of the Senate’s Local Government Committee, today proudly announced that she has selected Cindy Doring Hollowood as her 2016 New York State “Woman of Distinction” for the 43rd Senate District. Created by the New York State Senate, the Woman of Distinction Program showcases outstanding women living and working in New York State whose personal and professional contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

A 20-year board member of the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, Cindy Hollowood served as its Chairwoman and has also Chaired the Saratoga Convention Bureau Board, which she helped found. In addition, she presently serves on the Saratoga Race Course Community Advisory Committee and Concerned Citizens for Saratoga Racing, regularly interacting with state and local elected officials to advocate for tourism funding and issues important to Saratoga horse racing and small business.

Cindy Hollowood has also served on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga American Red Cross, Saratoga Next Step Downtown Redevelopment Committee, Saratoga Springs Zoning Board, Special Assessment Board, All American Celebration Committee and the Saratoga Chamber and Saratoga Chapter DAR. Currently, she is Vice Chair of the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and was named to the Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Foundation Board. Cindy Hollowood has been a leader in fundraising for Saratoga Hospital, Yaddo, YMCA and the St. Clements School. She also co-founded the Upstate New York Women in Lodging Group.

For over a decade Cindy Hollowood has been actively involved with Saratoga BOCES School-to-Work programs, giving special needs and non-college bound students the opportunity to improve their job skills. In 1990, Cindy Hollowood was named Leadership Saratoga’s Distinguished Alum. In 2015, she received the New York State Hospitality and Tourism’s Tourism Executive of the Year, and the American Hotel and Lodging’s Women in Lodging Connect Leader of the Year Awards, respectively.

“Whether she was promoting our Saratoga community as a premier tourist destination, strengthening Saratoga’s proud tradition of world-renowned horse racing, offering leadership and mentoring opportunities for area women, or supporting countless charitable causes, Cindy Hollowood’s life has been dedicated to making – and showcasing – our Saratoga County community as the very best place it can be,” Senator Marchione said.

“Cindy Hollowood has been a highly effective ambassador for Saratoga County and Saratoga Springs, highlighting all that our community has to offer in the way of world-class tourism, entertainment and lodging, as well as being the perfect place to launch or expand a small business. Cindy Hollowood understands that success is always better when it’s shared, as evidenced through her continued efforts to promote education and professional development opportunities, especially for women in the tourism and hospitality industry. Cindy Hollowood is a true example of a woman who has made a positive difference in improving her community and the lives of others. For this, I recognized her as my 2016 Woman of Distinction,” Senator Marchione said.

“Being named a 2016 ‘Woman of Distinction’ by Senator Marchione is a real honor. It’s always gratifying when your life and work are recognized. I appreciate Senator Marchione selecting me for this privilege and also for her continued efforts to promote, advocate and celebrate our Saratoga community,” said Cindy Hollowood.

Cindy Hollowood is a self-paid graduate of HVCC and the University of Albany, earning her AAS degree in Criminal Justice and a BA in Sociology. She began working for the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs in 1981 as Director of Sales and was named General Manager at the age of 28. Cindy Hollowood has worked tirelessly to re-establish the Holiday Inn’s original role as the city’s “community hotel.”

Through her efforts, the Holiday Inn has become synonymous with many of Saratoga’s premiere events including the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Bartenders Ball, to weddings, reunions, conferences and corporate trainings.

The announcement of Cindy Hollowood as Senator Marchione’s 2016 Woman of Distinction for the 43rd Senate District was made this evening in Albany when the Senate honored all of the 2016 Women of Distinction from each of the 63 Senate Districts during a special public recognition ceremony. As part of her special recognition as a Woman of Distinction, Cindy Hollowood’s picture, and her biographical information, will be included in the Senate’s statewide 2016 Women of Distinction printed program, website and gallery on display in the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

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