Amanda Dana honored with ‘Inspiring Leader Award’ by Orange Bank & Trust and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors

MIDDLETOWN- The Mid-Hudson Valley business community gathered Thursday, May 8, at The Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall as Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism for Orange County and Executive Director of the Orange County Film Office, was honored with the 2025 WGW Inspiring Leader Award.

The recognition was presented by Orange Bank & Trust Company and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. as part of the “Women Guiding Women” (WGW) initiative, which was created to empower and elevate women in the business world.

Dana has been an integral part of Orange County’s leadership team since 2018, when she was named Tourism Director. As the organization expanded, it acquired the Orange County Film Office, which expanded her role to include serving as Executive Director. Dana is also the Past President of Hudson Valley Tourism, Inc., the 10-county regional destination marketing organization. She has more than 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the Hudson Valley, having spent 18 years in executive recruiting/talent management, and 10 years in real estate and economic development, including a role at the Orange County Partnership, where she led its Business Retention & Expansion division.

“Amanda’s vision, dedication, and passion have helped elevate Orange County’s profile, which has had a tremendous impact on our local economy,” said Carla Alfieri, SVP/Senior Private Banking Officer at Orange Bank & Trust Company. “She exemplifies a WGW Inspiring Leader, and we were thrilled to honor her at this year’s event.”

Dana said, “I am truly honored to be recognized by Orange Bank & Trust Company. Promoting our region and sharing all it has to offer has been a highlight of my career, and it means so much to be acknowledged by an organization that is a cornerstone of our community.”

The program also included a panel discussion on navigating the stages to a successful and enjoyable retirement, from your 20s to your 60s, as well as potential forks in the road that can pop up along the way. The discussion was moderated by WGW host, Kathy Cole, VP Private Banking Officer, Orange Bank & Trust, and featured Carla Alfieri, SVP/Senior Private Banking Officer, Orange Bank & Trust Company, Cynthia Hand, VP, Trust Officer, Orange Bank & Trust Company; and Kelly Lynch-Moloney, VP/Portfolio Manager, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc.