2007 Leadership Award

The award is given to the person whose activities have done the most to further the mission of the Chautauqua Leadership Network.

Congratulations! Vincent Horrigan

Katie Smith, CLN President, Vince Horrigan and his bride Barb Horrigan

Vince Horrigan is the epitome of an exemplary leader. He brings great value to many communities to improve the quality of life by choosing to actively participate in business, community development, faith, community government, and leadership development where he lives and works. Vince serves Chautauqua County as:

Executive Director, American Red Cross, Chautauqua County Chapter

United States Air Force, Colonel, retired after 28 years of service

Trustee, Village of Bemus Point

Parish Council President, Our Lady of Lourdes Church , Bemus Point

Past President and Member, Rotary Club of Jamestown

Past President and Sustaining Member, Chautauqua Leadership Network

Field of Interest Grants Committee, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

Vince's leadership strengths include the ability to: respectfully listen and acknowledge each person, access situations, make expeditious decisions based on input from all parties, act quickly and garner support through his enthusiastic approach and sense of humor. Individuals want to work with him to be part of the positive, team environment he creates.

Vince joined the United States Air Force after graduating from Kent State University with a Bachelor's degree in Business and a Master's degree in Business from Troy State University. He also attended the Command and General Staff School and the Army War College . He served his country from 1971-1998 as a fighter pilot flying F-4, F-16 and F-15 planes. As Vince rose through the ranks to Colonel, he and his family moved about every two years to Air Force bases in Turkey , Germany , Nevada , England , Ohio , Arizona, Florida and Texas. Before retiring, he served the last four years as Vice Commander of the 48th Fighter Wings at Lakenheath AFB in England , then as Vice Commander of the 3rd Air Force of Europe and Africa . His rank of “full bird” Colonel is one shy of Brigadier General. Vince's love of flying continues today as he maintains his pilot's license and volunteers for the Civil Air Patrol.

Vince and his wife, Barb, retired to his family's property on Chautauqua Lake in Bemus Point in 1998. A native of Cleveland, he and Barb have known each other since kindergarten and have been married for 36 years. They have two grown children and four granddaughters. His son is a civilian firefighter employed by the military at Eglin AFB and his daughter teaches pre-school in Florida.

By choosing to take active leadership roles in his community, government, church, and county, Vince provides a model of selfless giving of time and talent for the betterment of others. His commitment to and passion for the American Red Cross, Rotary, CLN, USAF, CRCF and Bemus Point are indicative of his leadership to create a community in active control of its destiny.

Submitted by Judy Parker , Class of 2003

Leadership Awards:

2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007