For 27 years, Vision Hudson Valley has selected a citizen worthy of receiving the Ottaway Medal. Named in honor of Ruth and James Ottaway, prominent philanthropists, business leaders, and visionaries dedicated to improving the quality of life, the Ottaway Medal is awarded to a citizen who embodies their community leadership and commitment. In the earliest days of Vision Hudson Valley, formerly the Orange County Citizens Foundation, James Ottaway’s leadership led to the creation of institutions and programs that continue to preserve and promote quality of life in Orange County and beyond.

Vision Hudson Valley’s Board of Trustees is proud to award the 27th Ottaway Medal to former Pattern for Progress Executive Director Jonathan Drapkin. Pattern and Vision are aligned in the quest to enhance and maintain the quality of life for all, and under Jonathan’s leadership, Pattern became known as the region’s public policy think tank and a leading strategic planning organization. Pattern’s influence shaped the delivery of government services, the realization of downtown revitalization, understanding regional demographics, and housing. His career experience in government and the private sector helped him earn the trust of several New York State administrations, serving as a member of two commissions focused on the restructuring of local government and on the Executive Committee of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. The Ottaway Medal will be awarded to Mr. Drapkin at the 27th Ottaway Medal Dinner to be held on September 29th at Cedar Lakes Estates in Port Jervis, NY from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Vision Hudson Valley has remained focused on community revitalization, public policy, infrastructure issues related to land use, energy, and transportation, sustainable economic growth, and more. Vision is a membership-based organization that is open to all; when you join Vision Hudson Valley, you automatically gain a strengthened voice in how your community develops and grows.