Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award, Past Recipients

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Louis Pettinelli, CNY RPDB's 2010 REC Award Recipient

Louis Pettinelli (left) receives the CNY RPDB's Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award from Board Chairwoman Kathleen A. Rapp at the Board's 2010 Annual Meeting

Louis Pettinelli was named the recipient of the 25th annual Rhea Eckel Clark Citizenship Award at the CNY RPDB’s annual meeting held on December 15, 2010.

Born in Rome, New York and a long time resident of the Brewerton community, Mr. Pettinelli received a Bachelors of Science and Masters Degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and began his professional career in Central New York working in the Central Square School District where he taught, coached, and later directed health and physical education.  Following a lengthy tenure at Central Square, Lou joined the Oswego County BOCES where he rose to the position of deputy superintendent and executive director of human resources before he retired in 2003.

In addition to his full-time work, Lou has spent the past forty years of his life in various community service and volunteer positions.  Most notably, Lou has served since 1978 on the board of directors of Operation Oswego County - the county’s designated economic development organization.  In addition, he has served on the board of directors of the county’s Private Industry Council and Workforce Development Board.  On a regional level, former governor Mario Cuomo appointed Mr. Pettinelli to the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council.  Lou has also served on the board of directors of the CNY RPDB.  Throughout these many years of community service, Lou also found time to serve as a representative for the NYS Wrestling Officials on the NYS Public High School Official Coordinating Federation.  Mr. Pettinelli has been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career including the National Federation of State High School Associations distinguished service award, the Martin Rose Economic Developer Award by Operation Oswego County.  He has also been inducted in the NYS Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame and the Cortland State “C” Club Hall of Fame.

Past Recipients