Vince Horrigan

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation has selected Vince Horrigan as the 2025 recipient of the John D. Hamilton Community Service Award.

A celebration event is scheduled for Sept. 19 at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.

The annual award has been presented since 1994 in recognition of an individual’s dedication, leadership, and support in furthering community spirit and enhancing the quality of life in the region. It is named for John D. Hamilton, in celebration of his tireless efforts and leadership throughout the community.

“The foundation is honored to present this award to an individual whose dedication to public service and community leadership has profoundly shaped the Chautauqua region,” said Laura Otander, John D. Hamilton Community Service Award chairperson.

Horrigan joined the United States Air Force, serving for 27 years. As a fighter pilot, he logged over 3,500 hours in front-line aircraft, piloting fighter jets including the F-4, F-15, and F-16. As a senior officer, he held Command, Pentagon, and NATO international assignments before retiring in the grade of colonel in May 1998.

Horrigan chose to relocate to a family cottage in Bemus Point with his wife and high school sweetheart, Barbara, in May 1998. From 1998 to 2011, he served as the executive director of the Southwestern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross, overseeing operations in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. He has served as a member of the Bemus Point Village Board, served on the Chautauqua County Legislature from 2012-2014 and then served as Chautauqua County Executive, serving from 2014 to 2018.

Horrigan has an extensive record of volunteer work. He is an active member and past president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, and past president of the Chautauqua Leadership Network, where he was awarded the CLN Leadership Award in 2007. His past board service includes American Red Cross of WNY, Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc, South and Center Sewer District, and Chautauqua Lake and Watershed Management Alliance, where he also served as interim executive director. He serves on the Bemus Point Central School District Board of Education, Western Regional OTB Board of Directors, and United Way of Chautauqua County Board of Directors, where he recently played a leadership role in facilitating a merger of the United Ways of Northern and Southern Chautauqua County. During the summer months, Horrigan serves as a volunteer pilot on the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry.

“To serve alongside Vince is an absolute joy,” said Tory Irgang, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation executive director. “When the local funders came together in March 2020 to establish a local COVID-response fund, his name was the first to come up as a possible chairperson. His ability to bring people to the table and build consensus, even in the most difficult situations, is unparalleled in this community. I admire his skills in navigating difficult conversations that are respectful and drive toward unity.”

The reception honoring Vince Horrigan is scheduled for Friday, September 19th, at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the award presentation at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the event, including how to purchase tickets or to send Vince a congratulatory message, visit crcf.me/horrigan, or call 716-661-3390.

“It has been a privilege to serve the community that Barbara and I call home, with many nonprofit organizations, in various capacities in local government and through very rewarding volunteer efforts. I am deeply honored by this recognition and grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the well-being of Chautauqua County,” Horrigan said.

The Horrigans have two adult children and four granddaughters.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers more than 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations, and local students pursuing higher education. For more information, visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lindsey Goold, donor services officer at 716-661-3390 or lgoold@crcfonline.org.